We get to Trinity Square and walk along the Arsenal building.
It began to be erected at the beginning of the 18th century. The construction went on for more than 30 years. a large share of state appropriations was directed to the construction of a new capital, the city of Petrov. In 1819, cannons captured from Napoleon's troops were brought to the Arsenal. Later, ancient Russian guns were also transported here.
To the right of Troitskaya Square, on the site of the former Tsar-Dvor of Boris Godunov, is the State Kremlin Palace. So to speak, the latest history of the Kremlin. Erected in 1961. Ahead of him is an interesting pink building with unusual golden domes.
Amusing Palace
Chambers of Miloslavsky
Boyar Miloslavsky Ilya Dmitrievich was the father-in-law of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. The chambers were built in the middle of the 17th century and were called the Amusement Palace, because they were equipped for "fun", i.e. theatrical performances held for the royal family. And the "toy" domes rise on the house church at the Amusement Chambers, called the Temple of Praise of the Most Holy Theotokos.
Now here is the commandant's office of the Kremlin.
The Nikolskaya Tower of the Kremlin is visible in the distance.
Across from us is the Senate building.
The quadrangular building, more like a triangle, faces Troitskaya Square with the shortest facade. Built in the second half of the 18th century by decree of Catherine the Great, as the seat of the Governing Senate.
Under Soviet rule, V.I. Lenin, then - the Council of Ministers of the USSR. Currently, the Senate Palace is the working residence of the President of the Russian Federation. On the right, there is a building covered with mounting fabric, similar in style to the Senate, but built in 1930. There were government offices here. Debates are currently underway on the topic of moving the Presidential Administration from the Kremlin and the release of all its buildings for tourism. Perhaps, something reminiscent of the destroyed Chudov and Resurrection monasteries will be installed in the place covered by the "construction blanket" ...
And this is the view from the windows of the Kremlin Palace. On the left is the Arsenal building. Ahead - the same Nikolskaya tower.
We pass to Ivanovskaya Square. Under Boris Godunov, heralds loudly shouted royal orders in this square. Therefore, the square got another name - Tsarskaya, and the expression "shouting all over Ivanovskaya" took root among the people.
It was cast in the 16th century, during the reign of Fyodor Ioanovich, by gunsmith Andrey Chokhov. In encyclopedias, it is called a "classic bombard" that shoots "shot" - stone cannonballs. Whether it was created in order to "wipe the nose" of foreign diplomats and carried a destiny, as a symbol of Russian power, is up to historians to decide. But Lev Nikolaevich Gumilyov, the creator of the theory of Russian passionarity, claimed that once they fired from it ... the ashes of False Dmitry. Perhaps this is a historical metaphor. Do you want to discuss this topic?
The Tsar Bell
In 1701, during a fire, a bell fell from the Kremlin belfry and broke, which at that time was the largest in the world, its weight was 196 tons.
In 1730, Empress Anna Ioannovna issued a decree ordering the bell to be cast using fragments of the broken one and new materials. During the Trinity fire, burning logs flew into the pit with a bell - and the people flooded them with water. From the temperature difference, internal deformations of the metal occurred, and during further work, the piece fell off. ... And in the pit, the King of All Bells lay for 100 years, until they pulled him out and put him on the throne on a bronze pedestal.
The Patriarchal Chambers and the adjoining Church of the Twelve Apostles. It was erected under Patriarch Nikon. 17th century..
Belfry Ivan the Great
Erected in 1329 under Ivan Kalita. Older than it for several years, only the Assumption Cathedral, located nearby.
Ivan the Great (Church of St. John of the Ladder) became the first, highest bell tower of the city, its belfry was common to all the Kremlin cathedrals.
In the meantime, we are entering the most beautiful square of the Moscow Kremlin, Cathedral. Cathedral Square (Square of the Three Cathedrals) combined Russian schools of architecture and icon painting traditions and trends of the Mediterranean Renaissance.
The Assumption Cathedral or the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was erected in 1326.
The cathedral served as the tomb of the highest church ranks - metropolitans and patriarchs. In 1547 Ivan IV was crowned here. Since then, all coronations, up to the last, when Nicholas II ascended the throne, took place in the Assumption Cathedral.
"The legend about the creation of the first Assumption Cathedral says that Metropolitan Peter, before his death, predicted to Ivan Kalita that if he erects a temple in the name of the Virgin on the very top of the Moscow hill and makes it the tomb of the Metropolitan, then Moscow will become the center of all Russian lands. "(c)
At the end of the 15th century, the temple was restored by Aristotle Fioravanti. And the facade and internal walls of the temple were painted by Dionysius, the successor of the school of Andrei Rublev.
Even in the unsteady haze you can see how magnificent it is ...
Church of the Deposition of the Robe - the home church of the metropolitans and patriarchs.
Behind it you can see the toy-intricate domes of the Terem Church at the Terem Palace, which served as the chambers of the royal family.
And here is the Red Porch of the famous Faceted Chamber.
On the Red Porch, Russian princes and tsars solemnly marched to the Assumption Cathedral on the days of the wedding to the kingdom, as well as at marriages. 
Especially respected foreigners were received here. The Italian architect Marco Fryazin created this masterpiece at the direction of Tsar Ivan III in 1487. The chamber is called Faceted, because the facing stone was laid with the faces outward.
The Boyar Duma met in the Chamber, and here they “threw a feast for the whole world” on great occasions. Here Ivan the Terrible celebrated the victory over the Kazan Khanate, and Peter I - the defeat of the Swedes near Poltava.
It was not possible to visit inside, because the two lower photos are from the Internet.
The system of cross vaults rests on a single pillar.
Friends who were lucky enough to be inside and capture this splendor, share photos!
Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
In the second half of the 14th century, in its place was a small court stone church of the Annunciation. It was painted by Feofan Grek, Andrei Rublev and Prokhor from Gorodets.
During the fire of 1547, the building was badly damaged, but it was restored and expanded.
Between the Church of the Annunciation and the Palace of Facets we see the yellow wall of the Grand Kremlin Palace. It was built under Nicholas I. Now it is the main residence of the GDP.
Next to the Cathedral of the Annunciation is the unearthly beauty of the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael. It was built in the 15th century. under Ivan Kalita. It was he who was destined to become the burial place of the princes and tsars of Russia since the reign of Ivan Kalita, and, up to the transfer of the capital from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
Cathedral of the Archangel.
Grand Duke Dmitry Donskoy, grandson of Ivan Kalita, winner of the Mamaev Horde on the Kulikovo field, also rests here.
In the second half of the XIV century, the Grand Duke of Moscow Dmitry Ivanovich Donskoy united and subjugated the Russian lands to his power. It was he who began to strengthen and build Moscow in white stone.
Appolinary Vasnetsov: "The Moscow Kremlin under Dmitry Donskoy"
Having made an excursion into the history of Tsarist and Orthodox Rus', we left the Cathedral Square to Borovitskaya Street and headed to the embankment of the Moscow River. And a wonderful observation deck opened before us.
Ahead is the Tainitskaya tower of the Kremlin. A secret exit to the Moscow River opened through it. And opposite, on the opposite bank - Sofiyskaya embankment.
Watch place. Tainitskaya tower.
On the right hand is the Armory. Ahead - Borovitskaya tower.
The clock told us that the performance was about to begin. And we hurried to the Amusing Chambers of the Kremlin Palace. After all, I was once here, but in a different life, under a different king-president.
We climbed to the balcony, admiring the magnificent views from the windows of the Palace along the way.
The familiar melody from “Ruslan and Lyudmila” sounded twice from childhood - the second call. We chose seats that are more comfortable, closer to the stage. Indeed, there was such an opportunity, thanks to the epidemic of influenza.
So, tram-pa-pam! The ballet begins!
Conductor Yuri Bashmet waved his magic conductor's baton, the curtain rushed up ... to the wonderful music of Mikhail Ivanovich Glinka, taking away into a Pushkin's fairy tale.
We see a mighty oak, in the canopy of which the narrator Bayan, under the strings on the harp, told the love story of Ruslan and Lyudmila, tender as the petal of a morning lily.
(Photo from the Internet).
"Deeds of bygone days,
Traditions of antiquity deep.
In the crowd of mighty sons,
With friends, in a high grid
Vladimir the sun feasted "...
Admirers and contenders for the hand of the princess appear: the boastful Varangian knight Farlaf and the ardent Khazar prince Ratmir. (Ratmir is accompanied by Gorislava in love, constantly proving to him her endless devotion.)
Lyudmila has chosen Ruslan for a long time. A young couple is led to the bedchamber under ritual dances.
But... the evil forces do not sleep - and the hunchbacked sorcerer Chernomor with a long beard, whirling in a predatory dance, kidnaps the bewitched Lyudmila under the thunders of heaven.
Broken by grief, Prince Svetozar promises his daughter as a wife to the one who saves her. Rivals go in search of the stolen Lyudmila.
As usual in fairy tales, good forces always help the brave protagonist. Old Finn helps Ruslan. The ritual bonfire of the Druids shows Lyudmila in the halls of Chernomor. And Ruslan sets off, simultaneously fighting with a huge head and winning back a magic sword.
Finn is pursued by her obsessive love old woman Naina. As befits a terrible fairy-tale sorceress, she feeds on the ardor and strength of young husbands, playing on their vices. And he rides them! That glutton Farlaf will bewitch, seducing him with dishes and drinks. Then the proud eastern prince Ratmir will be carried away to the tent by a host of beautiful maidens, into whom ugly old women have turned. O unfortunate Gorislava! How to return the beloved bewitched prince?!
Friends, I will not retell the content to you. Better to see once: http://kremlinpalace.org/ru/events/ruslan-i-lyudmila
I just want to note that the artists performed their parts superbly! Lyudmila was fragile, charming and unusually plastic. Dwarf Chernomor is disgusting! Ridiculous and disgusting are his attempts to restore his former youth by witchcraft! Naina - a shaking ruin in rags, reincarnating into a beautiful maiden and, again, into an old woman scurrying like a shadow, was inimitable. The brave Farlaf is self-satisfied and boastful, Ratmir is loving, not noticing his dear and devoted woman, next to him ... How this fabulous round dance, whirling to the music of Glinka, resembles a small world whose inhabitants are you and me.
As usual, goodness prevailed. A curtain. The applause did not stop for a very long time ...
The ballet "Ruslan and Lyudmila" was created on the basis of the works of two great creators of the Russian land - the poet A.S. Pushkin and composer M.I. Glinka. This performance is not just a charming fairy tale, but a philosophical parable about eternal, like the world, human feelings: true love that overcomes betrayal and deceit. Pushkin's lines are filled with love for the characters, whose feelings are not fictional, but real. Young, carefree Lyudmila, fearless Ruslan, in love with the pleasures of Ratmir, Gorislava, who retained her love for the young man who rejected her. The magical characters of the poem that the main characters encounter, drawing them into the world of miracles, as if checking the truth of the feelings of lovers, forcing them to make their choice.
The great Russian composer M. Glinka conceived his opera a few months after Pushkin's tragic death in a duel, dedicating his work to his memory. In the ballet version of the opera, created by the famous composer, professor of the Moscow Conservatory Vladislav Agafonnikov, a number of musical abbreviations were made, the vocal and choral sections were reworked for the orchestra, and the necessary musical connections were made. The ballet "Ruslan and Lyudmila" attracts not only with the dance and director's finds of the outstanding choreographer of Russia Andrei Petrov, but also with luxurious scenery and costumes made by the wonderful theater designer Marina Sokolova.
The premiere of the play "Ruslan and Lyudmila" by the Kremlin Ballet Theater took place on March 31, 1992 and was enthusiastically received by critics and the public.
Choreographic fairy tale in 2 acts
Libretto by A. B. Petrov (based on the poem by A. S. Pushkin and the libretto of the opera of the same name by M. I. Glinka)
Staged by the Ballet Theater of the Kremlin Palace of Congresses 1992
Director and choreographer ANDREY PETROV
Artist MARINA SOKOLOV
Conductor ALEXANDER PETUKHOV
1 ACT
PROLOGUE
Under a mighty oak, the singer-storyteller Bayan plays the harp... Ruslan and Lyudmila meet under the wide crown of the oak. Their love is still a secret for everyone, and in the morning Lyudmila must choose a groom for herself.
I PICTURE
There is a festive revival in the gridnitsa of the Grand Duke Svetozar. Everyone is looking forward to which betrothed Lyudmila will choose. The suitors of the princess appear: the arrogant Varangian knight Farlaf and the dreamy Khazar prince Ratmir. Ratmir is pursued by Gorislava, who is in love with him, with a plea to abandon the idea of intermarrying with the prince of Kyiv.
Here is Ruslan. The opponents look at each other suspiciously. Ludmila appears. Her choice has long been made. The squad and the prince praise the young couple. The wedding ceremony begins. The young are brought under the curtain with honors... Thunder... Lightning...
The sinister figure of Chernomor appears. Everyone freezes. Enchanted by Chernomor, Lyudmila freezes. The evil sorcerer and his prisoner disappear.
Everyone woke up. Ludmila is not. Ruslan is in despair. Svetozar promises Lyudmila as a wife to the one who returns his daughter to him. All three knights swear to do so. Opponents leave Kyiv.
2 picture
Fairy forest. Naina pursues Finn with her love. He rejects her. She vows revenge.
Ruslan goes through the forest and comes to the home of the good Finn. The owner welcomes Ruslan cordially. Ruslan sees Lyudmila and Chernomor in the smoke of the magic fire. Ruslan thanks Finn and leaves to look for Chernomor's castle.
Naina lies in wait for Farlaf. She promises him Lyudmila. The coward is ready for anything. His joy knows no bounds. Naina gives him what he dreamed of: a soft bed and a table with food. Overwhelmed by wine and gluttony, he falls asleep, forgetting about Lyudmila.
3 PICTURE
Ruslan enters the field: traces of a bloody battle, the remains of heroes are visible. Death Valley makes a painful impression. Ruslan is tired. Doubt gnaws at him. Will I find Lyudmila, or maybe I will fall like these unknown warriors? Suddenly Ruslan sees a hill, with the brilliance of the moon it comes to life - in front of the hero is the head. The head crumbles into many warriors. The battle is fierce, the forces are unequal, but Ruslan emerges victorious. The warriors are scattered: in place of the head is a magic sword.
4 PICTURE
Naina conjures, attracts knights. Her retinue is a swarm of ugly old women, but at the gesture of the sorceress they turn into beautiful maidens. And Naina herself becomes a young beauty. The forest comes alive with a wonderful oriental palace. Naina is waiting for the victim, preparing a poisoned drink for her.
Gorislav relentlessly follows Ratmir, but he is relentless. He longs to find Lyudmila, although Gorislav is dearer and closer to him, but the stubbornness of the proud prince is boundless. Ratmir leaves the weeping Gorislava and enters Naina's palace. Fairy maidens, wine and refreshments - now he lost his shield, and sword, and helmet. Here is the seductive hostess. The charms of Naina make Ratmir forget about everything in the world. Gorislava appears in the palace, bringing Finn and Ruslan with her. Together they release Ratmir from the spell.
2 ACT
1 PICTURE
Morning. Lyudmila wakes up in Chernomor's castle. Everything here is alien to her. The servants want to feed her marvelous dishes. Chernomor appears. Wanting to achieve the love of Lyudmila, he takes the form of Ruslan. Lyudmila feels deceit, and the spell is dispelled. In front of her is a dwarf. Lyudmila tangles the villain's magic beard.
The servants of Chernomor come out in a solemn march, carrying the dwarf and his beard. Lyudmila is solemnly planted in front of Chernomor. Wizard Power Parade. The whirlwind of lezginka captures everyone. Both thrones are rushing in a circle. Lyudmila is already almost without feelings. The dwarf approaches his victim with laughter...
The sound of a horn is heard. This is Ruslan calling Chernomor to battle. The sorcerer enchants Lyudmila and draws his sword. A short but fierce fight, and the dwarf carries Ruslan under the clouds.
2 picture
Ruslan runs in with the severed beard of Chernomor. Lyudmila sleeps like a witch's dream and does not recognize her lover. Sobbing Ruslan carries Lyudmila away. Ratmir and Gorislava came to the aid of Ruslan.
3 PICTURE
Naina drags the shaking Farlaf - his hour has come. Fear makes him submit. They follow the trail of Ruslan.
4 PICTURE
Night in the steppe. Ratmir and Gorislava leave for the forest. Ruslan guards Lyudmila's sleep, but, tired, falls asleep. Naina and Farlaf appear. Naina forces Farlaf to raise his sword against Ruslan. Farlaf plunges his sword into the knight's chest and kidnaps Lyudmila. Naina is jubilant. Suddenly, Finn appears. In his hands he has two vessels - with dead and living water. He heals Ruslan's wounds.
Ruslan, Ratmir and Gorislav rush to Kyiv. Finn's blessing overshadows them. Naina is defeated, her plans are destroyed,
5 PICTURE
Farlaf, having kidnapped Lyudmila, brought her to Kyiv. But no one can wake her from her magical sleep. She doesn't even recognize her father...
The prince mourns his daughter. Unexpectedly for everyone, Ruslan appears. Farlaf begs for mercy. Ruslan's love awakens Lyudmila. Happiness and jubilation in the halls of Prince Svetozar. Russians praise the brave knight and the young princess...
"The legends of ancient times" are told in the language of classical dance: the mutual love of Ruslan and Lyudmila, her abduction by Chernomor, the rivalry of contenders for the hand and heart of the Kiev princess - the cowardly Farlaf and the proud Ratmir, Chernomor and the magical power of his beard ...
Anger, deceit and cowardice are overcome by justice, good heroic strength and love.
Opera in five acts by Mikhail Ivanovich Glinka to a libretto by composer V. Shirokov, with the participation of K. Bakhturin, N. Kukolnik, N. Markevich, A. Shakhovsky, based on the poem of the same name by Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin.
Opera in five acts (eight scenes)
Characters:
Svetozar, Grand Duke of Kiev………………………………… bass
Lyudmila, daughter ……………………………………………………………soprano
Ruslan, Kiev knight, Lyudmila's fiancé………………………… baritone
Ratmir, prince of the Khazars…………………………………………………contralto
Farlaf, Varangian knight……………………………………………bass
Gorislava, captive of Ratmir…………………………………………soprano
Finn, the good wizard …….……………………………………….tenor
Naina, the evil sorceress……………………………………………… mezzo-soprano
Bayan, singer …….……………………….……………………………….tenor
Chernomor, the evil wizard, Karla.
Summary
The high mansions of the Grand Duke of Kyiv Svetozar are full of guests. The prince is celebrating the wedding of his daughter Lyudmila with the knight Ruslan. The prophetic Bayan sings a song about the glory of the Russian land, about bold campaigns. He predicts the fate of Ruslan and Lyudmila: mortal danger hangs over the heroes, they are destined for separation, severe trials. Ruslan and Lyudmila swear eternal love to each other. Ratmir and Farlaf, jealous of Ruslan, secretly rejoice at the prediction. However, Bayan reassures everyone: invisible forces will protect the lovers and unite them. Guests praise the young. The melodies of Bayan sound again. This time he predicts the birth of a great singer who will keep the story of Ruslan and Lyudmila from oblivion. 2 In the midst of the wedding fun, a clap of thunder is heard, everything is plunged into darkness. The darkness dissipates, but Lyudmila is not there: she has been kidnapped. Svetozar promises the daughter's hand and half the kingdom to the one who saves the princess. Ruslan, Ratmir and Farlaf go in search.
In the far northern region, where Ruslan's travels have led him, the kind wizard Finn lives. He predicts the victory of the knight over Chernomor, who kidnapped Lyudmila. At Ruslan's request, Finn tells his story. The poor shepherd, he fell in love with the beautiful Naina, but she rejected his love. Neither by exploits, nor by wealth obtained in bold raids, could he win the heart of a proud beauty. And only with the help of magic spells did Finn inspire Naina with love for himself, but Naina, meanwhile, became a decrepit old woman. Rejected by the wizard, now she haunts him. Finn warns Ruslan against the machinations of the evil sorceress. Ruslan continues on his way.
Looking for Lyudmila and Farlaf. But everything that meets on the way frightens the cowardly prince. Suddenly, a terrible old woman appears before him. This is Naina. She wants to help Farlaf and thereby take revenge on Finn, who patronizes Ruslan. Farlaf triumphs: the day is near when he will save Lyudmila and become the owner of the Kyiv principality.
The search leads Ruslan to an ominous deserted place. He sees a field littered with the bones of fallen warriors and weapons. The fog dissipates, and the outlines of a huge Head appear in front of Ruslan. She begins to blow towards the knight, a storm rises. But, struck by Ruslan's spear, the Head rolls away, and a sword is revealed under it. The head tells Ruslan the story of two brothers - the giant and the dwarf Chernomor. The dwarf overcame his brother by cunning and, having cut off his head, forced her to guard the magic sword. Giving the sword to Ruslan, the Head asks to take revenge on the evil Chernomor.
Magic castle of Naina. The virgins, subject to the sorceress, invite travelers to take refuge in the castle. Here the beloved of Ratmir - Gorislava yearns. Appeared Ratmir does not notice her. Ruslan also ends up in Naina's castle: he is fascinated by the beauty of Gorislava. Vityazey is saved by Finn, who destroys Naina's evil spell. Ratmir, returned to Gorislava, and Ruslan again set off in search of Lyudmila.
Lyudmila languishes in the gardens of Chernomor. Nothing pleases the princess. She yearns for Kyiv, for Ruslan and is ready to commit suicide. An invisible chorus of servants persuades her to submit to the power of the sorcerer. But their speeches only provoke the wrath of the proud daughter of Glory City. The sounds of the march herald the approach of Chernomor. Slaves bring in a dwarf with a huge beard on a stretcher. The dancing begins. Suddenly, a horn sounds. It is Ruslan who challenges Chernomor to a duel. Having plunged Lyudmila into a magical dream, Chernomor leaves. In battle, Ruslan cuts off Chernomor's beard, depriving him of his miraculous strength. But he cannot wake Lyudmila from her magical sleep.
Ballet "Ruslan and Lyudmila"
Ticket price: 900-2500 rubles
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Specify the exact cost and availability of tickets by phone from the site. Tickets are available.
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Ballet in two acts
M. Glinka, V. Agafonnikov
Libretto - Andrey Petrov, based on the poem by A. S. Pushkin and the opera by M. I. Glinka
Choreographer - People's Artist of the Russian Federation, laureate of the Moscow Prize Andrey Petrov
Set Designer - Marina Sokolova
Under a mighty oak, the singer-storyteller Bayan plays the harp... Ruslan and Lyudmila meet under the wide crown of the oak. Their love is still a secret for everyone, and in the morning Lyudmila must choose a groom for herself.
I PICTURE
There is a festive revival in the gridnitsa of the Grand Duke Svetozar. Everyone is looking forward to which betrothed Lyudmila will choose. The suitors of the princess appear: the arrogant Varangian knight Farlaf and the dreamy Khazar prince Ratmir. Ratmir is pursued by Gorislava, who is in love with him, with a plea to abandon the idea of intermarrying with the prince of Kyiv.
Here is Ruslan. The opponents look at each other suspiciously. Ludmila appears. Her choice has long been made. The squad and the prince praise the young couple. The wedding ceremony begins. The young are brought under the curtain with honors... Thunder... Lightning...
The sinister figure of Chernomor appears. Everyone freezes. Enchanted by Chernomor, Lyudmila freezes. The evil sorcerer and his prisoner disappear.
Everyone woke up. Ludmila is not. Ruslan is in despair. Svetozar promises Lyudmila as a wife to the one who returns his daughter to him. All three knights swear to do so. Opponents leave Kyiv.
2 picture
Fairy forest. Naina pursues Finn with her love. He rejects her. She vows revenge.
Ruslan goes through the forest and comes to the home of the good Finn. The owner welcomes Ruslan cordially. Ruslan sees Lyudmila and Chernomor in the smoke of the magic fire. Ruslan thanks Finn and leaves to look for Chernomor's castle.
Naina lies in wait for Farlaf. She promises him Lyudmila. The coward is ready for anything. His joy knows no bounds. Naina gives him what he dreamed of: a soft bed and a table with food. Overwhelmed by wine and gluttony, he falls asleep, forgetting about Lyudmila.
3 PICTURE
Ruslan enters the field: traces of a bloody battle, the remains of heroes are visible. Death Valley makes a painful impression. Ruslan is tired. Doubt gnaws at him. Will I find Lyudmila, or maybe I will fall like these unknown warriors? Suddenly Ruslan sees a hill, with the brilliance of the moon it comes to life - in front of the hero is the head. The head crumbles into many warriors. The battle is fierce, the forces are unequal, but Ruslan emerges victorious. The warriors are scattered: in place of the head is a magic sword.
4 PICTURE
Naina conjures, attracts knights. Her retinue is a swarm of ugly old women, but at the gesture of the sorceress they turn into beautiful maidens. And Naina herself becomes a young beauty. The forest comes alive with a wonderful oriental palace. Naina is waiting for the victim, preparing a poisoned drink for her.
Gorislav relentlessly follows Ratmir, but he is relentless. He longs to find Lyudmila, although Gorislav is dearer and closer to him, but the stubbornness of the proud prince is boundless. Ratmir leaves the weeping Gorislava and enters Naina's palace. Fairy maidens, wine and refreshments - now he lost his shield, and sword, and helmet. Here is the seductive hostess. The charms of Naina make Ratmir forget about everything in the world. Gorislava appears in the palace, bringing Finn and Ruslan with her. Together they release Ratmir from the spell.
1 PICTURE
Morning. Lyudmila wakes up in Chernomor's castle. Everything here is alien to her. The servants want to feed her marvelous dishes. Chernomor appears. Wanting to achieve the love of Lyudmila, he takes the form of Ruslan. Lyudmila feels deceit, and the spell is dispelled. In front of her is a dwarf. Lyudmila tangles the villain's magic beard.
The servants of Chernomor come out in a solemn march, carrying the dwarf and his beard. Lyudmila is solemnly planted in front of Chernomor. Wizard Power Parade. The whirlwind of lezginka captures everyone. Both thrones are rushing in a circle. Lyudmila is already almost without feelings. The dwarf approaches his victim with laughter...
The sound of a horn is heard. This is Ruslan calling Chernomor to battle. The sorcerer enchants Lyudmila and draws his sword. A short but fierce fight, and the dwarf carries Ruslan under the clouds.
2 picture
Ruslan runs in with the severed beard of Chernomor. Lyudmila sleeps like a witch's dream and does not recognize her lover. Sobbing Ruslan carries Lyudmila away. Ratmir and Gorislava came to the aid of Ruslan.
3 PICTURE
Naina drags the shaking Farlaf - his hour has come. Fear makes him submit. They follow the trail of Ruslan.
4 PICTURE
Night in the steppe. Ratmir and Gorislava leave for the forest. Ruslan guards Lyudmila's sleep, but, tired, falls asleep. Naina and Farlaf appear. Naina forces Farlaf to raise his sword against Ruslan. Farlaf plunges his sword into the knight's chest and kidnaps Lyudmila. Naina is jubilant. Suddenly, Finn appears. In his hands he has two vessels - with dead and living water. He heals Ruslan's wounds.
Ruslan, Ratmir and Gorislav rush to Kyiv. Finn's blessing overshadows them. Naina is defeated, her plans are destroyed,
5 PICTURE
Farlaf, having kidnapped Lyudmila, brought her to Kyiv. But no one can wake her from her magical sleep. She doesn't even recognize her father...
The prince mourns his daughter. Unexpectedly for everyone, Ruslan appears. Farlaf begs for mercy. Ruslan's love awakens Lyudmila. Happiness and jubilation in the halls of Prince Svetozar. Russians praise the brave knight and the young princess...
On January 14, 2016, the audience of the Opera and Ballet Theater was shown the ballet "Ruslan and Lyudmila" (which premiered quite recently, at the end of December), staged by the artistic director of the Kremlin Ballet Theater Andrei Borisovich Petrov. The performance turned out wonderful - the audience was shown not just a classic in the best sense of the word, but a classic of the highest standard: Pushkin's plot, Glinka's music and Petrov's production. The fact that the Voronezh Opera and Ballet Theater has become the second and only venue (besides Moscow) where this ballet is staged also causes separate joy and pride.
The history of this ballet is interesting in itself. For the first time, a ballet with this name was staged in Moscow on December 16, 1821 (a year and a half after the publication of Pushkin's poem itself) and became the first stage production of both Ruslan and Lyudmila and Pushkin's works in general. Even then, many fantastic episodes were embodied on the stage (for example, the head of a giant turned into a detachment of warriors, etc.). In the year of Pushkin's death, the greatest Russian composer of that time, Mikhail Ivanovich Glinka, began work on the opera Ruslan and Lyudmila, without even having a finished libretto, and the opera was staged in 1842. And already in our time, A.B. Petrov returned to the roots and staged a ballet to Glinka's music in 1992 - and the Voronezh audience can see the result.
The ballet "Ruslan and Lyudmila" is one of those infrequent cases when it is difficult to draw a line between the performers of the main parts and the extras: both perform their roles so well and with enthusiasm! Chernomor's retinue, Naina's assistants, the prince's crackers, Finn's wise elders - all performed their roles with the same dedication as the main characters of the ballet, and Chernomor (Vadim Manukovsky) skillfully conveys his feelings not only with dance, but also with pantomime.
However, the performance is not only music and actors, but also costumes and scenery, and here the directors have many reasons for pride, and the audience - for joy. The artistic design of the ballet was created by the great master of her craft - Marina Alekseevna Sokolova (1939-1992). She drew ideas for costumes and scenery for "Ruslan and Lyudmila" from Russian folk art - that's why the curtain with mermaids, firebirds and the cat Bayun, and the costumes of the prince and his subjects, and the prince's palace turned out to be bright, memorable, unique and surprisingly accurate match the atmosphere of the show. Costumes and decorations in the oriental style were also a success and demonstrated many original solutions - the living throne of Chernomor, his servants with headdresses in the form of fruit vases and the ceremony of combing the beard of an evil wizard separately delight the audience, although, in fact, the whole performance is a stream of continuous joy.
On the Voronezh stage, the romantic poem of yesterday's lyceum student Pushkin turned into a work about eternal values - love, friendship, mutual assistance, and combined with a fascinating plot, great music, magnificent design and professional skills of the actors, a new outstanding performance has turned out that will delight more than one generation of viewers !
Text - Evgeny Kiselev
