GiselleLa
Scala, Milan
1996 |  |
The
DancersThe
BalletThe choreography is by Patrice Bart, based on the original by Jean
Corelli and Jules Perrot. Angelo Sala's sets attempted to invoke the spirit of
the original sets by Alexandre Benois. ReviewsA Triumph for
Ferri Key to any superior performance of Giselle is a ballerina who
knows how to act, and Ferri's acting (and dancing) illuminates not only Giselle
but the entire ballet, letting us believe this peasant girl could love, forgive
and redeem her royal cad. Her partner is not quite up to her standard,
especially in his dancing, though this does not undermine the spirit that she
has instilled in the ballet. The music is splendidly played by La Scala's orchestra,
and, in general, this Italian production demonstrates again that the quality of
lightness is essential to the successful portrayal of this difficult ballet. Edited
version of a review by The Bruce Ferri and Murru... both stellar
in Giselle There are the many wonderful moments in this production:
I'll touch briefly on a few.... Ferri is breathtaking in her interpretation
of the main character: her dancing is vibrant and her acting and expressions capture
the essence of the naive, love-stuck young girl in Act I, and then, as the protective
Wili for the final Act. The costumes and sets are beautiful. For example,
in the village scenes of Act I, the corps de ballet wear gold and rust colored
outfits , while Ferri,as Giselle, wears a sky blue skirt with a navy blue top
that makes her stand out from the other performers. She is simply stunning, your
eye cannot help but be drawn to her in this setting. Technically, I thought
the cameras were well placed and film editing was, with one or two exceptions,
well done. The DVD has superb video and audio, and the menu allows you to go to
any scene you like. Edited version of a review by R. Nicholson A
Ballet of Two Halves I felt that Act 1 was simply sumptuous - not a
word I use lightly, or often! The ballet was smooth, light and bright, right up
to a marvellous 'mad scene'; Ferri shone throughout. The sets, production values
and supporting cast all tried to match Ferri's quality, as dancer and an actor. Murru
certainly knew how to dance Albrecht, but was weak on acting Albrecht But
alas, the second act was not so good; Ferri did not seem so confident; the camera
work was overambitious, and even the set failed to live up to expectation; what
was that house there for? Why the war memorial-style grave? Giselle was a peasant!
That's the whole point! The corps were great when they were great, but I
found Myrtha unconvincing; no leader, she! All in all, a great Act 1, and
a competent, but not special Act 2 The ProductionGenerally fine
camera work, but too clever by half in parts of Act 2. | 
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