Le Corsaire: Pas de Deux (Kunakova-Ruzimatov) | Mariinsky Ballet, Kirov Classics (1992)

From the first studio recording of the Mariinsky Ballet (Kirov Ballet) in 1992: A historic clip of Le Corsaire: Pas de Deux, performed by Lyubov Konakova and Faroukh Ruzimatov.

Watch more videos from the series Kirov Classics:    • Chopiniana / Les Sylphides: Pas de Deux (A...  
Subscribe to the Monarda Channel:    / @monardachannel  

Music:
Adolphe Adam & Riccardo Drigo - Le Corsaire: Pas de Deux

Mariinsky Ballet (formerly known as Kirov Ballet): Corps de Ballet
Lyubov Konakova - soloist
Faroukh Ruzimatov - soloist
The Mariinsky Orchestra
Victor A. Fedotov - conductor

Choreography by Marius Petipa
Artistic director: Oleg Vinogradov
Directed by Thomas Grimm
From Kirov Classics

This first-ever studio recording of the world-famous Kirov Ballet (Mariinsky Ballet) was made by award-winning director Thomas Grimm at the Danmarks Radio Århus Dance Studio, the most advanced facility of its kind. It showcases highlights from their repertoire, both classic and contemporary, and features a galaxy of star dancers, including Larissa Lezhnina, Altynai Asylmuratova, Sergei Vikharev, Faroukh Ruzimatov, Konstantin Zaklinsky, Yelena Pankova and Yulia Makhalina. The mixed bill includes performances of Petrushka, Chopiniana, Paquita, Le Corsaire - pas de deux, Markitenka - pas de six, The Fairy Doll and Barber's Adagio.

Le Corsaire first saw the stage at the Paris Opera in January 1856, choreographed by the ballet-master Joseph Mazilier. It was based, somewhat tenuously, on Byron’s poem of the same name, and won most of its popularity through its tremendous scenic effects and exotic locations. The score was by Adolphe Adam. Two years after its Paris première, Jules Perrot staged it at the Bolshoi Theatre. Many revisions including the incorporation of more music, leading to the version now seen in St. Petersburg, edited by Oleg Vinogradov.
The famous showpiece pas de deux from the Corsaire is danced by Medora (Ljubov Kunakova) and the corsair (Farukh Ruzimatov), following her rescue from the slave market and from Seid Pasha who is seeking fresh beauties for his harem.