ADAM Giselle * Richard Bonynge, cond; Natl O of the Monte-Carlo Op * DECCA ELOQUENCE 442 9028 (2 CDs:122:48) If it is actually true that "too many cooks spoil the broth," Giselle has proved to be an exception to the rule. In the...

By Natalia Makarova One of the great ballerinas of the 20th century, Natalia Makarova now works her magic through the dancers of another generation. Of the many roles that Natalia Makarova danced in her stellar career, Giselle became her signature. Though she...

We know how Merce Cunningham works and how he thinks—we've been told, over and over again, by him and by others. We know that the dance is a thing apart from the music; that elements of the dance have been determined by chance procedures, often...

We know how Merce Cunningham works and how he thinks—we've been told, over and over again, by him and by others. We know that the dance is a thing apart from the music; that elements of the dance have been determined by chance procedures, often...

Originally performed in Paris in 1841, Giselle is a unique, interesting romantic ballet choreographed by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot. Adolphe Adam beautifully composes the music. Of particular note are the ways in which the footwork and the music in Giselle correspond, the facial expressions and body movements of the dancers, and the contrast of the costume designs.