ARKAIM

ARKAIM, a ballet of L.Z.Ismagilova performed in two acts. Written and premiered in 2005 in the Bashkir State Theatre of Opera and Ballet (written by Ya.V.Sedova, guided by A.P.Petrov, music director and conductor – R.E.Luter, set designer – S.B.Benediktov, costumes’ designer – O.D.Polyanskaya). The plot is based on the philosophical parable of Holy Arkaim. The music of this ballet is characterized by the synthesis of the methods of the Soviet compositional techniques and various layers of the Bashkir folk music: the melodies of Uzun­kyui are performed with kurai and kubyz, and the Bashkir mantras are harmoniously combined with the modern musical language. Epical images alternate with lyrical, deeply soulful scenes and episodes. Also, many elements of pagan rites such as the worship of the sun, the spell of water, etc were used with much originality.