Choreographer Peter Wright stages Swan Lake as a romantic gothic tragedy. This stunning production focuses on the heartbreaking role of the Prince in this dramatic classic, honouring the 1895 Petipa/Ivanov original. Starring The Royal Swedish Ballet - Nathalie Nordquist as Odette/Odile and Anders Nordström as Prince Siegfried.

Nathalie Nordquist, Anders Nordstrom, Marketta Kaila, Christian Rambe, Johannes Ohman
The Royal Swedish Opera Orchestra / Michel Queval

TV Director: Ross MacGibbon

Plus


BACK TO THE ORIGINAL - Interview with the director of the Royal Swedish Ballet, Petter Jacobsson
A BEAUTIFUL WAY OF MOVING - Interpretations of principal dancers, Nathalie Nordquist and Anders Nordström
LOVE TRANSCENDS DEATH - Sir Peter Wright on the production’s choreography
The tale of Swan Lake - illustrated synopsis
Notable productions of Swan Lake - an overview of all historic productions of this classic ballet
28 page illustrated booklet


Reviews
‘…outstandingly performed under Michel Queval’s baton – and that’s just the start …staging, choreography and dancing (by both corps de ballet and soloists) are all excellent …yet another superb Opus Arte release’
Classic fM Magazine

‘Choreographer Peter Wright presents Tchaikovsky’s classic in a gothic setting. The dancing is beautiful… the DVD sounds good and furthermore the ballet is interestingly filmed, sometimes from a birds-eye perspective. Complete with several extras this is the most attractive Swan Lake available.’
DVD Plus

‘Now you don’t have to leave the comfort of your armchair to enjoy one of the most magical productions of recent years whenever you wish – in pin-sharp widescreen with CD-quality Dolby Digital surround sound. …Needless to say, the dancers are top class, the costumes exquisite, the music delightful and the sets as sumptuous as a wedding cake. Enjoy the best that ballet has to offer from the best seat in the house – your own.’
HMV Choice

'This new staging of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake from the Royal Swedish Ballet features a dance ensemble of breathtaking wonder in a majestic staging true to the values of the original production. Choreographer Sir Peter Wright has built up the role of Prince Siegfried, giving him a greater presence right from the beginning when he appears as a mourner at the funeral of his father. Sir Peter also emphasises the darker forces that will destroy the romance between the Prince and Odette, the swan transformed into a beautiful maiden. These touches are manifest through the granite-like grandeur of the castle exterior and the skilful deployment of chiaroscuro, notably in the scenes by the lake where the indigo and royal blue contrast with the brilliant white worn by the corps de ballet.
There are many other imaginative touches in the choreography, from the swans’ initial entry, seemingly self-propelled to suggest their airborne flight overhead, to the comical turn of the bandy legged cygnets in the “Dance of the Little Swans”. Nathalie Nordquist is an enchanting Odette, and, with a slight change in makeup, a characterful Odile. The Prince, danced by Anders Nordstrom, cuts an aristocratic figure, making an elegant partner for Odette. The swans are the last word in poise and grace. ...the picture quality is first class with good front-to-back depth. The special features are just that; an audio commentary on the plot, a list of notable productions, an interview with the two principal dancers, a history of the Royal Swedish Ballet from director Petter Jacobsson and, best of all, an interview of wisdom and insight from Sir Peter Wright, the choreographer, entitled “Love Transcends Death”.'
amazon.co.uk

Awards & Accolades:
DVD BEST BUY - Classic fM Magazine

CAT NO: OA 0866 D
FORMAT: NTSC
REGIONS: All Regions
PICTURE FORMAT: 16:9
LENGTH: 158 MINS
SOUND: DOLBY SURROUND / LPCM STEREO
SUBTITLES: LA
RELEASED: 01/11/2002
NO OF DISCS: 1