The Art of the Ballets Russes: The Russian Seasons in Paris, 1908-1929

Sergei Diaghilev, visionary creator of the Ballets Russes, chose artists to design and unify costumes and scenery for his ``Russian Seasons'' in Paris, and the spectacular results are spotlighted here. British dance critic Crisp praises Diaghilev's revolutionary fusion of great designers and composers; Russian authors Pozharskaya and Volodina describe the formation of the company, groundbreaking performances and Slavic influence on Western stage design. Superb illustrations, captioned with quotes from artists, composers and others, include photos of Leon Bakst's opulent costumes and scenery designs, Alexandre Benois's whimsical costumery for Petrushka , futurist Natalia Goncharova's fanciful set and her garment sketches for The Golden Cockerel . Picasso, de Chirico, Gris and Matisse are among the artists represented in this marvelous compilation that will be appreciated by fine art and theater enthusiasts alike. (Apr.)