Kremlin Ballet Theatre
Running time: 2 hours In the historic State Kremlin Palace, at the very heart of Moscow, the Kremlin Ballet Theatre presents the majestic and romantic ballet Raymonda. The company’s dancers, many of whom have trained in the same prestigious academies as the stars of the Bolshoi Theatre, bring extraordinary technique and refined artistry to every movement. Raymonda enchants audiences with its elegant choreography, intricate pas de deux, and sumptuous classical style. The noble heroism, tender love, and sparkling courtly dances create a grand spectacle that blends virtuosity with poetic drama, offering a timeless celebration of classical ballet’s beauty and sophistication. Libretto – Based on an ancient chivalric legend, adapted by L. Pashkova, I. Vsevolozhsky, and M. Petipa Musical Edition – International Competition Laureate Vladimir Kachesov The libretto of Raymonda draws inspiration from an ancient knightly legend. The story unfolds in Provence during the Middle Ages. Countess Raymonda de Doris and her fiancé, the noble knight Jean de Brienne, are deeply in love and eagerly await his return from a military campaign under the banners of King Andrew of Hungary. During a celebration in honor of Raymonda’s birthday, the visiting Arab Sheikh Abderahman attempts to abduct her. At that critical moment, Jean de Brienne and King Andrew arrive. In a dramatic duel, Jean de Brienne triumphs over Abderahman, paving the way for a magnificent wedding celebration. The new production for the Kremlin Ballet has been masterfully staged by People’s Artist of Russia Andris Liepa. His version of this legendary ballet incorporates select fragments from the historic productions of Marius Petipa and Alexander Gorsky, blending timeless classical elegance with renewed dramatic vitality. SynopsisACT ONE Scene One The curtain rises like a magnificent tapestry, revealing a medieval French castle shrouded in romance and chivalry. A ghostly figure drifts through the halls – the White Lady, guardian of the House of de Doris. She glides among the courtiers, gradually awakening the castle’s residents, then vanishes into the myriad chambers. Preparations are underway for the celebration of Princess Raymonda’s birthday, the Hungarian niece of Countess Sibylla de Doris. The noble knight Jean de Brienne, Raymonda’s fiancé, has arrived, and all await her entrance. Like a gentle breeze, Raymonda appears in the grand hall. Friends and courtiers offer their congratulations, but the joy of the celebration is tinged with sorrow: Jean de Brienne must soon depart for a military campaign. As the knight leaves, Raymonda’s heart is heavy with longing. Courtiers and troubadours try in vain to lift her spirits with music and dance. Concerned for her beloved, she turns in prayer to the White Lady, then falls into a troubled sleep. Scene Two In her dream, the White Lady appears and leads Raymonda to a garden of visions, where she sees her beloved Jean de Brienne. The two lovers unite in a romantic adagio. Suddenly, the Saracen warrior Abderahman bursts into the dream, openly declaring his desire for Raymonda. Only the intervention of the White Lady rescues her from the grasp of the aggressive suitor. Awakening from the vision, Raymonda pleads once more to the White Lady for protection. ACT TWO Scene Three It is Raymonda’s birthday. Countess de Doris and Raymonda welcome their guests. Unexpectedly, the Saracen warrior Abderahman arrives with his retinue, bringing lavish gifts. The Countess urges her niece to grant him the courtesy of a dance. Seeking to charm Raymonda, Abderahman signals, and one by one, exotic members of his Saracen entourage enter. He draws Raymonda into a whirlwind of dance and, refusing to take “no” for an answer, attempts to abduct her. At the critical moment, Jean de Brienne appears and rescues his beloved. He challenges Abderahman to defend the honor of Raymonda. The Hungarian King Andrew II, present at the celebration, offers to arbitrate the duel. A dramatic combat ensues: Jean de Brienne delivers the decisive blow, and Abderahman is defeated. His retinue carries away the lifeless body of their leader. Jean de Brienne and Raymonda bow before the king, who, along with the Countess, blesses the lovers. Scene Four The White Lady appears once more to bless the union of Raymonda and Jean de Brienne. Guests arrive in grand procession for the wedding celebration. The ball opens with a traditional Hungarian dance, followed by dances of the newlyweds and their friends. As the festivities conclude, the guests see the young couple off to the castle granted to them by King Andrew II, marking the joyful beginning of their life together. | Alexander Glazunov "Raymonda" Ballet in 2 acts on the playbill
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