Raymonda
Anna Pavlova in costume for Raymonda. Created in 1898 by Marius Petipa, the ballet became one of the crowning achievements of the Imperial Russian repertory.
QUICK F A C T S
- ✦ Raymonda premiered in 1898 at the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
✦ The ballet was choreographed by Marius Petipa and set to a score by Alexander Glazunov, one of the most admired ballet scores of the classical era.
✦ Unlike many famous ballets, Raymonda is not based on a specific fairy tale or novel but was created from an original story inspired by a romanticized medieval setting.
✦ The ballet is renowned for its demanding choreography, particularly the Grand Pas Classique Hongrois, a showcase of classical technique and virtuosity.
✦ Often considered Petipa's last great masterpiece, Raymonda remains celebrated for its elegant choreography, magnificent music, and lavish classical style.
Dmitri Belogolovtsev as Abderakhman, the powerful Saracen knight whose pursuit of Raymonda drives much of the ballet's drama. Photograph taken at Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre by Irina Lepnyova.
S U M M A R Y
Would you follow your heart, even if it meant risking everything? Raymonda tells the story of a noble young woman caught between duty and desire during the age of knights and castles. While her fiancé, the Crusader knight Jean de Brienne, is away, Raymonda attracts the attention of the powerful Saracen leader Abderakhman. As tensions rise, she must navigate loyalty, temptation, and the uncertainty of her future.
Tamara Rojo as Raymonda, the noble heroine of Alexander Glazunov's grand classical ballet. Photograph by Erik Doble. commons.
Artists of Spain's National Dance Company perform in Raymonda Divertimento, a production choreographed by José Carlos Martínez based on the classical ballet Raymonda. Photo: Maite villanueva, commons.
Premiering in 1898 at the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg, Raymonda was choreographed by Marius Petipa to a score by Alexander Glazunov. Unlike many famous classical ballets, it was not based on a specific novel, fairy tale, or legend. Instead, its creators fashioned an original story inspired by romantic visions of the medieval world. Glazunov's music became one of the ballet's greatest strengths, combining sweeping melodies, rich orchestration, and memorable dance rhythms that continue to captivate audiences today.
Although the full-length ballet is performed less frequently than Swan Lake or The Sleeping Beauty, Raymonda remains a treasured part of the classical repertory. Its dazzling choreography, especially the celebrated third-act wedding festivities, has ensured its lasting popularity. Today, dancers and audiences alike admire Raymonda not only for its elegant story but also for Glazunov's magnificent score and some of the finest classical dancing ever created.
Nadezhda Gracheva in the title role of Raymonda at Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre. Photograph by Irina Lepnyova, commons.
E N C O R E
✦ On Today's Stage
Raymonda remains a cornerstone of the classical ballet repertory. While the full-length ballet is performed less often than Swan Lake or The Nutcracker, its famous excerpts—especially the Grand Pas Classique Hongrois—are regularly staged by major companies around the world.
✦ Iconic Interpreters
The title role has been danced by many celebrated ballerinas, including Anna Pavlova, Maya Plisetskaya, Natalia Makarova, Tamara Rojo, and Svetlana Zakharova. Each brought her own interpretation to Petipa's demanding heroine.
✦ Legacy
Raymonda was the final full-length ballet created by Marius Petipa and is often regarded as one of the crowning achievements of the classical era. Combined with Alexander Glazunov's richly orchestrated score, its brilliant choreography continues to showcase the elegance, precision, and grandeur of classical ballet.