show category: ballet

Ballet in two acts and a prologue libretto by Miguel de Cervantes’ homonym novel

Recommended Age: 5+

Although Cervantes’ Don Quixote novel inspired several ballet productions signed by some notorious choreographers, the Balșoi production (1869) that was born from Marius Petipa’s and Ludwig Minkus’ collaboration brought, at least to the second of them, not just and unprecedented succes, but also the Imperial Ballet from Sankt Petersburg’s official composer position.

Indeed, the rhythmic vivacity and enchantingly melodiuous music of the austrian composer’s matched perfectly the comic scenario centerd around lovers Kitri and Basil, and around Don Quixote. Smitten by Kitri’s beauty, which makes him confuse her with Dulcineea – the lady of his dreams – Don Quixote starts his search for the girl, after she runs from home with Basil, to avoid being parted by her father. The knight will contribute significantly in bringing the two lovers together, tricking Lorenzo – Kitri’s father – into accepting their marriage. Thus, the “vicissitudes” fallen over the couple are blithely overpassed and the story ends with a soumptous wedding party, attended, for a few moments, also by the wandering knight and his squire Sancho Panza.

The performance has one break and ends around 8.45 p.m.