Rimsky-Korsakov: Mlada (Bolshoi Opera/Ballet)

Mlada is an opera-ballet by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, based on a libretto by the composer himself. It tells a complex tale of love, betrayal, and supernatural revenge set in pagan Rus'. The story follows the princess Mlada, who is murdered by her ambitious lover Yaromir, who then becomes involved with the sorceress Fores. Mlada's spirit returns to seek vengeance on Yaromir and Fores, leading to a dramatic and magical climax involving ancient gods and spirits.

The 1992 Bolshoi production of Rimsky-Korsakov's 'Mlada,' staged by Yuri Grigorovich, was a significant event in the world of ballet and opera. It was praised for its ambitious scale, the grandeur of its visual design, and the powerful performances from the Bolshoi's principal dancers and chorus. While the opera itself is less frequently staged than some of Rimsky-Korsakov's other works, this production was seen as a faithful and impressive realization of the composer's complex vision, blending operatic drama with balletic spectacle.

• Praised for its visual spectacle and elaborate staging.

• Recognized as a significant undertaking of a lesser-known Rimsky-Korsakov work.

• The production successfully combined operatic narrative with balletic artistry.

Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for this particular 1992 production is not readily available in public archives. General audience appreciation for the Bolshoi Ballet and Opera productions tends to focus on the company's rich artistic heritage and the high caliber of its performances.

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov initially conceived 'Mlada' as a ballet with a libretto by a group of poets, but it evolved into a full opera-ballet with his own libretto after the original collaborators abandoned the project.