BOLSHOI CONFIDENTIAL Secrets of the Russian Ballet--From the Rule of the Tsars to Today

Paul Boehmer somewhat unevenly narrates this detailed history of the most famous theater and theater troupe in Russia. Morrison's work details the human stories both on and off-stage in the nearly three centuries of the Bolshoi's history. Listeners learn of conductors, composers, and dancers, prominent in their day but faded from modern memory, who made the Bolshoi so renowned. Intrigue and drama off-stage are even more incredible than the lavish spectacles that wowed audiences for generations. Boehmer has a very clear voice, and he enunciates well, but his earnest delivery can sometimes go from staccato to choppy. He is able to affect accents, but some of his Russian pronunciation may grate on those familiar with the language. M.T.F. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2016]