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Tchaikovsky聮s
magnificent score was not as powerfully played by the Royal Ballet
Sinfonia, under the rather staid conducting of Barry Wordsworth.
This was especially felt at the more dramatic moments in this most
dramatic of ballets.
Beautiful
movements...
However
there was compensation in the form of a wonderful performance from
Asta Bazeviciute as Odette/Odile, who depicted both characters with
beautiful movements and illuminating facial expressions.
She
was ably supported by the talented young Iain Mackay as Prince Siegfried.
The Corp de Ballet was in sparkling form although at times they
lacked the ideal unity normally expected of Birmingham Royal Ballet.
The
sets designed by Philip Prowse captured the drama of the ballet,
reinforcing the tragic nature of the story. This production was
first shown in 1981, but it can still surprise new audiences as
was demonstrated by the spontaneous applause at the beginning of
act four!
Greatest
ballet of all time...
Although
not a perfect performance, it is still worth seeing because it manages
to capture the essence of one of the greatest ballets of all time.
Swan
Lake continues at Birmingham Hippodrome until the 13th March 2004.
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