Which city has a big theater? Grand Theatre
In continuation of the series of stories about opera houses around the world, I want to talk about the Bolshoi Opera Theater in Moscow. State academic theater Opera and Ballet of Russia, or simply the Bolshoi Theater, is one of the largest opera and ballet theaters in Russia and one of the largest opera and ballet theaters in the world. Located in the center of Moscow, on Teatralnaya Square. The Bolshoi Theater is one of the main assets of the city of Moscow
The origin of the theater dates back to March 1776. This year, Groti ceded his rights and obligations to Prince Urusov, who undertook to build a stone public theater in Moscow. With the assistance of the famous M.E. Medox, a place was chosen on Petrovskaya Street, in the parish of the Church of the Savior, in Kopje. By tireless labor Medoxa was built in five months Grand Theatre, according to the plan of the architect Rosberg, cost 130,000 rubles. Petrovsky Theater of Medox stood for 25 years - on October 8, 1805, during the next Moscow fire, the theater building burned down. The new building was built by K.I. Rossi on Arbat Square. But it, being wooden, burned down in 1812, during Napoleon’s invasion. In 1821, construction of the theater began on the original site according to the design of O. Bove and A. Mikhailov.
The theater opened on January 6, 1825 with the performance “The Triumph of the Muses.” But on March 11, 1853, the theater burned down for the fourth time; The fire preserved only the stone outer walls and the colonnade of the main entrance. In three years, the Bolshoi Theater was restored under the leadership of architect A.K. Kavos. To replace the alabaster sculpture of Apollo that was lost in the fire, a bronze quadriga by Pyotr Klodt was installed above the entrance portico. The theater was reopened on August 20, 1856.
In 1895, a major renovation of the theater building was carried out, after which many wonderful operas were staged in the theater, such as “Boris Godunov” by M. Mussorgsky, “The Woman of Pskov” by Rimsky-Korsakov with Chaliapin in the role of Ivan the Terrible and many others. In 1921-1923, another reconstruction of the theater building took place, and the building was also reconstructed in the 40s and 60s
Above the pediment of the Bolshoi Theater is a sculpture of Apollo, patron of the arts, in a chariot drawn by four horses. All figures of the composition are hollow, made of sheet copper. The composition was made by Russian craftsmen in XVIII century based on the model of sculptor Stepan Pimenov
The theater includes a ballet and opera troupe, the Bolshoi Theater Orchestra and the Stage Brass Band. At the time of the theater's creation, the troupe included only thirteen musicians and about thirty artists. At the same time, the troupe initially had no specialization: dramatic actors took part in operas, and singers and dancers - in dramatic performances. So, the troupe in different time included Mikhail Shchepkin and Pavel Mochalov, who sang in operas by Cherubini, Verstovsky and other composers 
Throughout the history of the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow, its artists, in addition to admiration and gratitude from the public, have repeatedly received various signs of recognition from the state. IN Soviet period more than 80 of them received the title People's Artists USSR, Stalin and Lenin Prizes, eight were awarded the title of Hero Socialist Labor. Among the theater soloists are such outstanding Russian singers as Sandunova, Zhemchugova, E. Semyonova, Khokhlov, Korsov, Deisha-Sionitskaya, Salina, Nezhdanova, Chaliapin, Sobinov, Zbrueva, Alchevsky, E. Stepanova, V. Petrov, the Pirogov brothers, Katulskaya, Obukhova, Derzhinskaya, Barsova, L. Savransky, Ozerov, Lemeshev, Kozlovsky, Reizen, Maksakova, Khanaev, M. D. Mikhailov, Shpiller, A. P. Ivanov, Krivchenya, P. Lisitsian, I. Petrov, Ognivtsev, Arkhipova, Andzhaparidze, Oleinichenko, Mazurok, Vedernikov, Eizen, E. Kibkalo, Vishnevskaya, Milashkina, Sinyavskaya, Kasrashvili, Atlantov, Nesterenko, Obraztsova and others.
Of the singers more younger generation who came forward in the 80-90s, it is necessary to note I. Morozov, P. Gluboky, Kalinina, Matorin, Shemchuk, Rautio, Tarashchenko, N. Terentyeva. Major conductors Altani, Suk, Cooper, Samosud, Pazovsky, Golovanov, Melik-Pashaev, Nebolsin, Khaikin, Kondrashin, Svetlanov, Rozhdestvensky, Rostropovich worked at the Bolshoi Theater. Rachmaninov (1904-06) performed here as a conductor. Among the best directors of the theater are Bartsal, Smolich, Baratov, B. Mordvinov, Pokrovsky. The stage of the Bolshoi Theater hosted tours of the world's leading opera houses: La Scala (1964, 1974, 1989), Vienna State Opera(1971), Berlin Komische Oper (1965)
Bolshoi Theater repertoire
During the theater's existence, more than 800 works were staged here. The Bolshoi Theater's repertoire includes such operas as "Robert the Devil" by Meyerbeer (1834), "The Pirate" by Bellini (1837), "Hans Geiling" by Marschner, "The Postman from Longjumeau" by Adam (1839), "The Favorite" by Donizetti (1841), "The Mute of Portici" by Auber (1849), "La Traviata" by Verdi (1858), "Il Trovatore", "Rigoletto" by Verdi (1859), "Faust" by Gounod (1866), "Mignon" by Thomas (1879), "Un ballo in maschera" "Verdi (1880), Wagner's Siegfried (1894), Berlioz's The Trojans in Carthage (1899), " Flying Dutchman"Wagner (1902), "Don Carlos" by Verdi (1917), "The Dream of summer night"Britten (1964), "The Castle of Duke Bluebeard" by Bartok, "The Spanish Hour" by Ravel (1978), "Iphigenia in Aulis" by Gluck (1983) and others. 
The Bolshoi Theater hosted world premieres of Tchaikovsky's operas "The Voevoda" (1869), "Mazeppa" (1884), and "Cherevichki" (1887); Rachmaninov's operas "Aleko" (1893), "Francesca da Rimini" and " Stingy Knight" (1906), Prokofiev's "The Gambler" (1974), a number of operas by Cui, Arensky and many others. 
On turn of the 19th century and the 20th century the theater reaches its peak. Many St. Petersburg artists are seeking the opportunity to participate in Bolshoi Theater performances. The names of F. Chaliapin, L. Sobinov, A. Nezhdanova are becoming widely known throughout the world. In 1912 Fyodor Chaliapin staged M. Mussorgsky’s opera “Khovanshchina” at the Bolshoi Theater.
In the photo Fyodor Chaliapin 
During this period, Sergei Rachmaninov collaborated with the theater, who proved himself not only as a composer, but also as an outstanding opera conductor, attentive to the peculiarities of the style of the work being performed and achieving in the performance of operas a combination of passionate temperament with subtle orchestral finishing. Rachmaninov improves the organization of the conductor's work - so, thanks to Rachmaninov, it is transferred to his own modern place conductor's console, previously located behind the orchestra (facing the stage).
In the photo Sergei Vasilievich Rachmaninov
The first years after the 1917 revolution are characterized by the struggle to preserve the Bolshoi Theater as such and, secondly, to preserve part of its repertoire. Operas such as The Snow Maiden, Aida, La Traviata and Verdi in general were attacked for ideological reasons. There were also proposals to destroy ballet, as “a relic of the bourgeois past.” However, despite this, both opera and ballet continued to develop in Moscow. The opera is dominated by works by Glinka, Tchaikovsky, Borodin, Rimsky-Korsakov, and Mussorgsky. In 1927, director V. Lossky was born new edition"Boris Godunov". Operas are staged Soviet composers- “Trilby” by A. Yurasovsky (1924), “Love for Three Oranges” by S. Prokofiev (1927).
In the 1930s, Joseph Stalin’s demand for the creation of “Soviet opera classics” appeared in the press. Works by I. Dzerzhinsky, B. Asafiev, R. Gliere are staged. At the same time, a strict ban on works is introduced foreign composers. In 1935 with great success The public is premiering D. Shostakovich’s opera “Lady Macbeth” Mtsensk district" However, this work, highly appreciated throughout the world, causes sharp discontent at the top. The well-known article “Confusion Instead of Music,” authored by Stalin, became the reason for the disappearance of Shostakovich’s opera from the repertoire of the Bolshoi Theater
During the Great Patriotic War The Bolshoi Theater is being evacuated in Kuibyshev. The theater celebrates the end of the war with bright premieres of S. Prokofiev’s ballets “Cinderella” and “Romeo and Juliet,” in which Galina Ulanova shone. In subsequent years, the Bolshoi Theater turned to the work of composers “ fraternal countries- Czechoslovakia, Poland and Hungary, and also revises productions of classical Russian operas (new productions of “Eugene Onegin”, “Sadko”, “Boris Godunov”, “Khovanshchina” and many others are being created). Most of These productions were carried out by opera director Boris Pokrovsky, who came to the Bolshoi Theater in 1943. His performances in these years and the next few decades served as the “face” of the Bolshoi Theater opera
The Bolshoi Theater troupe often tours, having success in Italy, Great Britain, the USA and many other countries 
Currently, the Bolshoi Theater's repertoire retains many classical productions of opera and ballet performances, but at the same time the theater strives for new experiments. Directors who have already gained fame as film directors are involved in working on operas. Among them are A. Sokurov, T. Chkheidze, E. Nyakrosius and others. Some new productions of the Bolshoi Theater aroused the disapproval of part of the public and the honored masters of the Bolshoi. Thus, a scandal accompanied the production of L. Desyatnikov’s opera “Children of Rosenthal” (2005), due to the reputation of the author of the libretto, writer V. Sorokin. Indignation and rejection of the new play “Eugene Onegin” (2006, director D. Chernyakov) was expressed by famous singer Galina Vishnevskaya, refusing to celebrate her anniversary on the Bolshoi stage, where similar productions are staged. At the same time, the mentioned performances, no matter what, have their fans
The Bolshoi Theater is a great landmark of Moscow. The State Academic Bolshoi Theater, located on Teatralnaya Square in the center of Moscow, is not only the largest theater in Russia. This temple of culture is on a par with such world “titans” as the Italian La Scala and the English Covent Garden.
Everything about the Bolshoi Theater is impressive: its majestic building, its immortal repertoire, its incredible atmosphere, and, of course, its dramatic history.
Complicated story
The Bolshoi Theater has two birthdays. The day on which this grandiose landmark of Moscow was opened is considered to be December 30, 1780. The first theater building was built on the initiative of Prince Pyotr Urusov, whom Catherine II gave the authority to conduct entertainment events of various kinds. Since the entrance to the theater was on Petrovka Street, it began to be called Petrovsky. But it did not last long - in 1805 the building burned down.
After 11 years, Moscow Governor Dmitry Golitsyn decided to revive the theater. The project for the new building was entrusted to Professor Andrei Mikhailov, but it turned out to be too expensive. After adjustments made by the architect Osip Bove, who not only reduced the cost of construction, but made many improvements to the layout, construction work began.
The second birthday of the Bolshoi Theater is January 6, 1825. Through the efforts of the architects Mikhailov and Bove, a monumental building with eight columns and the chariot of Apollo under the portico was built, which became the center of the city square. The size of the temple of art, the harmony of its forms and luxurious interior decoration amazed contemporaries. The theater was no longer called simply Petrovsky; the epithet Bolshoi was added to this word, because it surpassed in size even the Stone Theater in St. Petersburg.
In 1853, the Bolshoi Theater caught fire again. The fire, which could not be extinguished for three days, severely damaged the building. Its reconstruction was led by Albert Kavos, the chief architect of all imperial theaters. Since the coronation of Alexander II was approaching, no expense was spared on the restoration of the temple of art. It was opened just three years after the fire and began to be called Imperial. Kavos managed to create not only a magnificent stage and a luxurious auditorium, but also unique acoustics in the room.
After October revolution The threat of closure loomed over the Bolshoi Theatre, which became known as the State Theatre, and then the Academic Theatre. Only in 1922 was it possible to obtain legal grounds for preserving the theater: it was officially recognized as a cultural monument.
During World War II, this Moscow landmark was damaged again - a bomb hit the building. But already in 1943, after restoration work, the opening of the season took place. Since then, restoration work has been carried out at the Bolshoi Theater from time to time, but the most ambitious reconstruction was carried out from 2005 to 2011. It was attended by the world's best specialists, whose task was not only to improve the stage and auditorium, but also to preserve the legendary features of the Bolshoi Theater.
Architectural value and luxury of interiors
The Bolshoi Theater building is an example of Russian classical architecture. It is a rectangular building with a gable roof and an eight-column portico extending towards Teatralnaya Square. The height of the columns of the portico is 15 meters.
Inside the building there is a stage, a five-tier auditorium that can accommodate almost 1,800 people, as well as a number of other rooms: foyer, dressing rooms, buffet, and so on. In addition, there is an underground concert hall, located under the square.
The interiors of this temple of art amaze with their luxury and beauty. During the restoration, the craftsmen tried to restore the historical appearance of the premises. The main colors of the interior decoration are red and gold. It took about four kilograms of gold to decorate the entire theater. The floors of the building are covered with mosaics and tiles, and the ceilings are decorated with stucco and paintings. The chandelier in the auditorium, whose diameter exceeds 6 meters, weighs two tons and consists of thousands of crystal pendants.
The Bolshoi Theater is a landmark of Moscow, which impresses not only with the richness of its internal and external decoration, but also with its level of technical excellence. The updated stage consists of seven two-level dynamic platforms, thanks to which the stage can become stepped or inclined. The equipment around the stage allows for the use of sound and visual special effects during performances. And the orchestra pit can accommodate more than a hundred musicians.
Cultural and historical significance
The beauty and intricate history of the Bolshoi Theater pale in comparison with its cultural value. Throughout its existence, it has been the birthplace of the best opera and ballet works. Most worked here outstanding composers, actors and conductors from different times. The Bolshoi Theater Symphony Orchestra is considered one of the most virtuoso in the world.
Such names as Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Anton Rubinstein, Fyodor Chaliapin, Sergei Rachmaninov, Maya Plisetskaya, Galina Ulanova and many others are associated with this temple of art. And the loudest performances that took place within its walls were “Eugene Onegin”, “Swan Lake”, “Sleeping Beauty”, “Boris Godunov”, “A Life for the Tsar” and so on.
The Bolshoi Theater is not only a landmark of Moscow, but also a symbol of the rich spiritual culture of all of Russia. Possessing an incredibly majestic atmosphere, it attracts many visitors and gives them the opportunity to plunge into the beauty of the world of opera and ballet.
One of the symbols of theatrical art is rightfully the Bolshoi Theater. The theater is located on Teatralnaya Square - in the very heart of the capital. The most talented theater performers are known all over the world: ballet artists and vocalists, choreographers and composers who have left a noticeable mark on the world theater arts. Throughout its history, over 800 works have been staged on its stage. From the first Russian operas to the works of such titans as Verdi and Wagner, Berlioz and Ravel, Donizetti and Bellini. The theater stage hosted world premieres of operas and, Arensky and.
The theater dates back to March 1736, when Prince Pyotr Vasilyevich Urusov ordered the construction of a theater building on the corner of Petrovka. It was then that he received his first name - Petrovsky. But Pyotr Urusov was not destined to complete the construction, since the theater building burned down in a fire. This glorious work was completed by the English entrepreneur and companion of the prince, Michael Medox. The Petrovsky Theater opened its doors to the Moscow public on December 30, 1780. In fact, from this moment the first professional theater in Russia began. That day the production of “I” took place. Paradise ballet-pantomime “The Magic Shop”. Ballets with a national flavor, including “The Taking of Ochakov” and “Village Simplicity,” were also especially popular. The theater troupe consisted mainly of students of the Moscow ballet school and serf actors of E. Golovkina’s troupe. The Petrovsky Theater existed for only 25 years. The building was destroyed in a fire in 1805.
In the period from 1821 - 1825. under construction new theater in the same place, according to the project of A. Mikhailov. The construction manager was the famous architect O. Bove. It was significantly increased in size, which is why it received the name Bolshoi Theater. The first production was “The Triumph of the Muses,” which launched the new building on a fascinating theatrical journey that has continued for more than 185 years. A new fire befell the theater in 1853, after which its building was restored for about three years under the leadership of the architect A. Kavos.
During the restoration of the Bolshoi Theater in 1856. the building was thoroughly remodeled and it was decorated with a white stone portico with eight columns, which is still its symbol. Also besides appearance The interior decoration of the theater has changed significantly. Known throughout the world is, of course, the bronze chariot of Apollo, which crowned the theater building and became its eternal symbol. Thanks to creative talent Albert Kavos, the Bolshoi Theater building fits perfectly into its surroundings architectural ensemble center of Moscow.
Since 2005, the global reconstruction of the theater began, and after 6 years of painstaking and time-consuming work, the long-awaited opening took place on October 28, 2011 main stage countries.
The Bolshoi Theater is the largest opera and ballet theater in Russia and one of the most significant opera and ballet theaters in the world. The history of the theater dates back to March 1776, when the provincial prosecutor, Prince Pyotr Vasilyevich Urusov, received the highest permission from Empress Catherine II to “contain... theatrical performances of all kinds, as well as concerts, vauxhalls and masquerades.” The prince began construction of the theater, which - based on its location on Petrovka Street (on the right bank of the Neglinka) - was named Petrovsky. However, the Urusov Theater burned down even before it opened, and the prince handed over the business to his companion, the English entrepreneur Michael Medox. It was Medox who built the Bolshoi Petrovsky Theater. Petrovsky Theater of Medox stood for 25 years - in 1805 the building burned down. In 1821, construction began on the next theater building designed by O. Bove and the rector of the St. Petersburg Academy A. Mikhailov. On March 11, 1853 the theater burned down; The fire preserved only the stone outer walls and the colonnade of the main entrance. In three years, the theater was restored under the leadership of architect A.K. Kavos. To replace the alabaster sculpture of Apollo that was lost in the fire, a bronze quadriga by Pyotr Klodt was installed above the entrance portico. The theater reopened on August 20, 1856.
The five-tier hall of the Bolshoi Theater is famous for its excellent acoustics and can accommodate up to 2,150 people. The hall is decorated with gilded stucco and red velvet, which gives it special pomp and solemnity.
Important role in the history of the Bolshoi Theater, opera and ballet performances to the music of Pyotr Tchaikovsky, including "Eugene Onegin", " Queen of Spades", "Iolanta", " Swan Lake", "Sleeping Beauty". The names of famous artists are associated with the Bolshoi Theater - Anton Rubinstein, Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Sergei Rachmaninov, Fyodor Chaliapin, Galina Ulanova, Maya Plisetskaya and many others.
The Bolshoi Theater Orchestra is one of the best symphony orchestras peace. Today its repertoire includes ballet and opera performances performed by brilliant masters of art.
The Bolshoi Theater is one of the main symbols of the greatness of the culture of our state.
It was on the stage of the Bolshoi Theater that the first Russian operas and ballets were staged. Thanks to the Bolshoi Theater productions, Russian vocal and ballet school have earned recognition all over the world.
The year of foundation of the theater is considered to be 1776, when Pyotr Urusov received permission from Catherine II “to support him with all kinds of theatrical performances, as well as concerts, vocals and masquerades, and not to allow anyone other than him any such entertainment at all times appointed by privilege, so that he would not be undermined.” was". Construction of the Bolshoi Theater began three years later on Pokrovka Street. But this project was not destined to come true; even before construction was completed, the building burned down. The construction of the theater was continued by Urusov's partner. But this building also burned down during the capture of Moscow by Napoleon in 1812.
The new building of the Bolshoi Theater, erected in 1825 according to the design of architects O. Bove and A. Mikhailov, became one of the most beautiful theater buildings in the world. However, the fire did not spare this building either. In the 1850s, the architect Kavos made significant changes to the building.
Now it is a magnificent eight-column building, above the portico of which there is a sculpture of the chariot of the god Apollo. The inside of the room is decorated in red and gold tones, this gives the theater a special splendor and solemnity. Auditorium designed for 2155 seats.
The Bolshoi Theater hosted world premieres of famous operas: P.I. Tchaikovsky “The Voevoda”, “Mazeppa”; S.V. Rachmaninov “Aleko”, “The Miserly Knight”; S.P. Prokofiev's "The Gambler" and many other composers. In the modern repertoire of the Bolshoi Theater classic masterpieces world art. The Bolshoi Theater, intended for the production of serious operas and ballets, does not forget about small fans.
This is how the Bolshoi Theater posters tell the story of the ballet “Cipollino”: “More than a quarter of a century has passed since the day when the cheerful onion-colored family from Gianni Rodari’s beloved fairy tale settled on the Moscow stage. The simple-minded tale about the struggle of the garden people against fruit oppressors is in every way similar to a real adult ballet. The performance consists of two acts. Classical dance cleared of convention and “arranged” to modern style. There is no tedious explanation in sign language - the action flies rapidly forward, and each character is endowed with his own unique choreographic language. This is probably why the most famous masters of the Bolshoi Theater did not refuse the “matinee.”
There is a children's choir at the Bolshoi Theater. It accepts gifted children over five years of age who have passed the audition.
