Diaghilev's Empire How the Ballets Russes Enthralled the World

<p><b>‘Deliciously entertaining.’ <i>Financial Times</i></b><br><br><b>‘Scintillating . . . fizzes with balletic energy.’ <i>Daily Mail</i></b><br><br><b>‘Gripping . . . bursting with extraordinary characters and anecdotes.’ <i>Sunday Telegraph</i></b><br><br><b>‘An extraordinary tale, enthrallingly told.’ </b><i><b>Gramophone</b></i><br><br>Such was the credo of the ruthlessly manipulative and resourceful Serge Diaghilev – the Russian impresario who created the modern art form of ballet. Commissioning such legendary names as Nijinsky, Fokine, Stravinsky and Picasso, he produced a series of radically original works that had a revolutionary impact throughout the Western world. Off stage there was scandal and sensation, collaboration and competition, tempestuous affairs and a wild carousel of mayhem.<br><br>The Ballet Russes left a matchless artistic legacy, ending with the abrupt death of Diaghilev in 1929. But the achievements of its heroic prime would continue to set the standards for the next era.</p>