[Petipa, Marius. (1818–1910)] [Minkus, Ludwig. (1826–1917)] [Tsar Alexander III and Tsarina Maria Feodorovna]

"La Nuit et le jour" - Original 1883 Program

Moscow: Imprimerie des Theatres Imperiaux (Edouard Hoppe) [Imperial Bolshoi Theatre]. 30th May [18th May], 1883. Very rare and impeccably preserved delicate printed program for the ballet produced at the Imperial Bolshoi Theatre as part of the festivities surrounding the coronation of Tsar Alexander III and Tsarina Maria Feodorovna, which had taken place three days prior to the premiere. 20 pp., very fine, crisp condition, approx. 5 x 6.75 inches (12.7 x 17.1 cm.).

The French ballet dancer, pedagogue and choreographer Marius Petipa was one of the most influential ballet masters and choreographers in ballet history. Noted for his long career as Premier maître de ballet (First Ballet Master) of the St. Petersburg Imperial Theatres, making him Ballet Master and principal choreographer of the Imperial Ballet (today known as the Mariinsky Ballet), a position he held from 1871 until 1903, and where he created over fifty ballets. His Nuit et Jour (Night and Day), produced especially for the celebration gala held at the Moscow Bolshoi Theatre in honor of the coronation of Tsar Alexander III, was premièred on May 18/30 (Julian/Gregorian calendar dates), 1883, at the Moscow Imperial Bolshoi Theatre by the Imperial Ballet. The Tsar so enjoyed the work that he ordered a second private performance to take place two days later, and frequently requested one of its marches to be played during Imperial Balls and other social events. (18818)

Program, unsigned Dance