Spartacus (Khachaturian)
VAI DVD 4495 $34.95

Spartacus is one of Aram Khachaturian’s most popular works. Based on events surrounding the Third Servile War, the scenario follows the exploits of the leader of a slave uprising against the Romans. Although the work was premiered in Leningrad in 1956, it was the 1968 Bolshoi production, choreographed by Yuri Grigorovich and starring Vladimir Vasiliev, that achieved the greatest acclaim for the ballet. This DVD presents a complete live performance of that production, featuring the stars who made it famous. 137 min., Black & white, mono, 4:3, All regions.

SPARTACUS
Ballet in Three Acts
Music by Aram Khachaturian (1903-1978)
Choreography by Yuri Grigorovich (b. 1927)

Vladimir Vasiliev (Spartacus) • Ekaterina Maximova (Phrygia)
Maris Liepa (Crassus) • Nina Timofeyeva (Aegina)

The Bolshoi Ballet and the Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra and Chorus
Algis Zhuraitis, conductor
Live Performance, 1970

Synopsis and Chapter Selection

Act I
[1] After an orchestral prelude, [2] the curtain rises to show the Roman consul Crassus returning to Rome from his latest conquests in a triumphal procession. Among his captives are the Thracian king Spartacus and his wife Phrygia. [3-4] Spartacus laments his captivity and bids a bitter farewell to Phrygia, who is taken off to join Crassus’ harem of concubines. [5] The scene moves to an orgy at the palace of Crassus. [6] To amuse his entourage, Crassus orders Spartacus to be blindfolded and sent into the gladiatorial ring where he is forced to kill a close friend. [7] Horrified at his deed, Spartacus incites his fellow captives to rebellion.

Act II
[8] The escaped captives, encamped along the Appian Way, celebrate their freedom. [9] Spartacus and Phrygia are reunited. [10-12] Crassus entertains the Roman patricians with a lavish entertainment, attended by Aegina, who has long dreamed of seducing Crassus and gaining power over him. [13] Spartacus and his men disrupt the orgy. [14] Spartacus challenges Crassus to a duel and Crassus is defeated.

Act III
[15] Crassus, tormented by his disgrace, is prodded by Aegina to take revenge. [16] Aegina discovers Spartacus’s camp and observes the lovers emerging from their tent the next morning. [17] Spartacus and Phrygia dance the famous Adagio. [18] Their serenity is broken by news that Crassus’ forces, set on by Aegina, are approaching the camp. Spartacus rallies his own men in defense, but some resist and threaten to abandon him. [19] Aegina infiltrates the ranks of those inclined to abandon Spartacus. She seduces them with wine and erotic dances, setting them up for their capture by Crassus upon his arrival in the camp. [20-21] Crassus and his army enter the camp and battle with Spartacus, who is killed. [22] Spartacus’ loyal followers recover his body and carry it off while Phrygia leads the mourning.

Program © 2009 GOSTELERADIOFOND.
Creative Content © 2009 Video Artists International, Inc.
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