Rachmaninov: Aleko, Rimsky: Kashchey The Immortal
Label: VAI Catalog: DVD4527 Format: DVD Evgeny Nesterenko, Aleko; with the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Dimitri Kitayenko; Konstantin Pluzhnikov, Kashchey; with the Dmitri Shostakovich Symphony Orchestra of Leningrad under the direction of A. TrifonovComposed by: Sergei Rachmaninoff A "double bill" of two Russian operatic masterpieces in visually and dramatically striking film versions. Evgeny Nesterenko stars in the title role of Aleko (1892), an early work of Rachmaninoff's featuring a score full of colorful evocations of Gypsy life. With the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Dimitri Kitayenko. By contrast, Kaschey the Immortal (sometimes called Kashchey the Deathless) is a mature work of Rimsky-Korsakov, based on the same Russian folk tale that inspired Stravinsky's ballet The Firebird. The title role of Kashchey is portrayed by the great singing actor Konstantin Pluzhnikov (who is also the Kaschey in the acclaimed CD recording conducted by Valery Gergiev). With the Dmitri Shostakovich Symphony Orchestra of Leningrad under the direction of A. Trifonov. Films produced 1986/1986. Color, Mono, with subtitles in English, French, and Russian, 124 minutes, Color, Mono, All regions. Price: $35.98 |