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The Bolshoi Theatre. History of the Bolshoi Theatre. The Bolshoi Theatre is the cradle of the Russian national opera and classical ballet . It is one of the oldest and biggest theatres in Russia.
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History of the Bolshoi Theatre The Bolshoi Theatre is the cradle of the Russian national opera and classical ballet. It is one of the oldest and biggest theatres in Russia.
People sometimes call it shortly "The Bolshoi" and it is situated in the central part of Moscow. Originally it was an Imperial theatre. The creation of the Bolshoi Theatre is closely connected with the flourishing of Russian national culture at the end of the 18th century.
The architect who designed the building of The Bolshoi was Joseph Bovet. It was built between 1821 and 1824. Since then, the building was renovated and rebuilt several times. However, it kept its original imperial decorations.
In 1853 the theatre was destroyed by fire except for the outer walls and the portico, and restored in 1856 by architect A. Cavos. The hall was divided into five circles for 2000 spectators. The interior of the theatre is magnificent. It is famous for gilded decorations and beautiful crystal chandeliers.
The theatre is always associated with opera and ballet. It has been the site for many notable premiers. Among them, Rachmaninoff’s “Aleko”, Mussorgsky’s “Boris Godunov”, Tchaikovsky’s “The Voyevoda” and “Mazeppa”. Ballet repertoire includes Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake”, Prokofiev’s “Romeo and Juliet”, Adam’s “Giselle” and several others.
Many productions are based on classical works of Russian composers. However, the works of such Italian composers as Verdi, Rossini and Puccini are also staged.
Today, it’s not simply the building of the theatre but it is also an outstanding landmark of Moscow.The neoclassical view of The Bolshoi can be seen on the Russian 100-ruble banknote. The theatre is always associated with opera and ballet.
The Bolshoi Theatre is well-known throughout the world. It is frequently visited by tourists and guests of Moscow. There is another interesting theatre, which is also beloved by visitors.
Questions • Who designed the building of the theatre? a) M. Kazakov b) O. Bovet • When was it ? a) 1825 b) 1843 3. When was the theatre destroyed by fire? a) 1853 b) 1854 4. What is the most famous ballet dancer? a) M. Plisetskaya b) B. Pokrovsky 5. What ballet was staged there? a) Oscar b) Swan Lake