Mlada

Mlada may not quite be one of Rimsky-Korsakov's best works, but it is still very interesting and distinctively Russian in its culture, themes and musical style with some of the loveliest music ever written. This production is a fine one indeed and one to savour as there are not many productions about on DVD(to my understanding there is only one other one. The camera work is really frustrating though, too confined- focusing on one person and not the whole stage even with lots going on- and often concentrating too much on limbs and even the audience. The symbolisation of the dolls and the idea to have the orchestral players on stage wearing baroque costumes also could have been much clearer. Then again this is all personal opinion and not everybody is going to feel the same. Aside from that, I still really liked the production. It is visually breathtaking, traditional and modernistic while never feeling jarring, the costumes and sets are opulent and beautifully lit and the use of masks just add to the atmosphere. The staging is also very well done, the demons chorus and the Cleopatra scene were the highlights, while the dancing aided by clever choreography is elegant and performed with energy. The orchestra and chorus are marvellous, with the conducting incisive and rhythmic. Nina Ananshavili's Mlada is very touching. The singing is of a very strong standard with some impressive high notes from Oleg Kulko. So overall, a fine production but if only the camera work was better. 7/10 Bethany Cox