Tchaikovsky - Cherevichki
Opus Arte OA1037D
Release date November 2010

Hailed as Tchaikovsky's best-kept secret, Cherevichki (The Tsarina's Slippers) is a relatively little-known opera that the composer thought of as his best. The 2009 production from the Royal Opera House has given new life to the work and has now been released on DVD (and Blu-ray) for all to enjoy. It is based on Gogol's fantastical story of the antics of the Devil on Christmas Eve and producer Francesca Zambello was keen to emphasise both the fantasy element and comedic nature of the work in her staging. The stage design by Mikhail Mokrov is in keeping with the folk nature of the story. Zambello explains "I've always had a personal love for that nauve painting style in Ukrainian art which is why I went to [Mokrov] who is a designer and an illustrator; I knew he would create this kind of world". The designs have a child-like cartoon quality and are wonderfully eye-catching. The costume design also mixes folk and fantasy to great effect and results in a wonderfully vibrant and colourful production on a fittingly grand scale. The mainly Russian cast gives a solid interpretation, and special mention must be made of Maxim Mikhailov who plays the mischievous Devil brilliantly. The action on stage is augmented by members of the Royal Ballet including principals Mara Galeazzi and Gary Avis plus a large chorus, children and Cossack dancers! Tchaikovsky's score is everything you would expect from the great composer and the Royal Opera House Orchestra is superb under the baton of Alexander Polianichko. This is a thoroughly enjoyable and slightly unusual festive treat.

Reviewed by Dawn Gibson