Ballets
With Peggy Reynolds.
2: Giselle. The tragic tale of the ballet Giselle, with music by Adolphe Adam , was conceived by the French writer Theophile Gautier. Giselle lives with her elderly mother, is adored by Hilarion but attracted to the peasant Loys (who is actually Albrecht, a nobleman in disguise). Hilarion tries to warn Giselle about Loys, but she dismsses him and goes to join the celebrations of the grape pickers.
Giselle's mother reminds her of her weak heart, and that if she is not careful she will become one of the Wilis - girls who die before their wedding day. A hunting party arrives, among whom is Bathilde, Albrecht's official fiancee. The deception is uncovered and Giselle, distraught, dances herself to death. Giselle becomes one of the Wilis, and they hound Hilarion to death. Now they turn their attentions to Albrecht, but Giselle pleads for him and is forced to dance to save his life. She does so until daybreak, when she returns to her grave exhausted. Music is taken from the recording by the LSO, conductor Michael Tilson Thomas.