Minkus' Don Quixote is not one of the all-time great ballets, but it is a fun and nicely scored ballet based on a classic story. This Mariinsky production is really enjoyable stuff, the only let down was some of the tempos, some of which were too snail-pace-like. The conducting though is clear, accommodating and commanding of the music, and brings a lot out of the well-rehearsed and vibrantly-played orchestra. The production is beautifully rendered visually, never gaudy and over-saturated but also never stark and distasteful. They suit the choreography and story and not at odds with them. The video directing is involved and of excellent quality. The choreography is charming, warm and affectionate and never too simplistic, and the stage direction likewise. The highlight is the Act 2 Dream scene, which is very Petipa, which ballet fans will like very much. The Corps De Ballet never fail to be exciting, the choreography is not easy but the dancers don't show signs of being taxed. The character dances are very nicely danced and characterised, and the Cupids are very musical. Olesya Novikova is a restrained but very graceful Kitri, and Leonid Sarafanov's boyish and powerfully danced Basilio shines. Their chemistry is convincing throughout. Evgenia Obraztsova's Amor is exceedingly charming, Alina Somova dances stylishly and shows promise and Andrei Merkuriev is a truly fine Espada. You wish you saw more of Ekaterina Kondaurova, but she also dances memorably. To conclude, very enjoyable and of very, very good quality. 9/10 Bethany Cox
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