Nureyev, Rudolf. (1938-1993)
Signed Photograph in "Le Corsaire"
Signed original doubleweight photograph of the great dancer in mid-performance, with his signature in bold felt-tip to the lower margin. Signed additionally by the photographer "W. Reilly '78" to the verso in blue ink. 8 x 10 inches (20.3 x 25.4 cm.). In fine condition, an ideal example in his signature role."The pas de deux from Le Corsaire, an extract from the ballet by Marius Petipa, created in Saint Petersburg in 1899, based on a poem by Byron, was one of Rudolf ’s first successes, and was a realization for him. For the national ballet school contest in Moscow, in 1958, the young Nureyev, 20 years old and at the end of his third year in the Kirov Ballet School, presented three variations. He received a standing ovation for the variation from Le Corsaire. Once in the West, Nureyev danced this pyrotechnic pas de deux from Le Corsaire many times, always setting off wild enthusiasm." ( Nureyev.org) A NY Times review from the year of this photograph notes that “'Le Corsaire' remains Mr. Nureyev's signature mark. From the moment he ran across the stage to Margot Fonteyn in the early 1960's, this classical showpiece has been his alone. Others have performed it beautifully, but even now no male dancer has the temperament to fill out this classical 19th‐century showpiece the way Mr. Nureyev does." (21041)
Signed Photograph Dance