An excellent interviewer, the author lets his subjects speak for themselves in sections that are among the book's highlights. The most fascinating portrait is that of Valery Gergiev, who emerges as an inspired, charismatic conductor and a man of extraordinary, multifaceted gifts, inexhaustible energy, unshakable determination and self-confidence, high ideals, and unwavering dedication to his work. Ardoin clearly idolizes Gergiev and credits him with restoring the Mariinsky to its present greatness, yet he remains aware of the problems inherent in Gergiev's overextended lifestyle and compulsive work habits.

Most of the chapters alternate between past and present, and readers may find the frequent references to people and events mentioned in much earlier chapters a bit bewildering. They may also be somewhat overwhelmed by Ardoin's admirably prodigious research and insistence on including everything he knows: he lists everyone who ever worked at the Theater, and gives a blow-by-blow account of every performance past and present--its date, cast, composer, conductor, designer, success or failure. Of the resulting multitude of names, many are totally unknown outside Russia, but the excellent pictures, arranged by periods, bring them to vibrant life. --Edith Eisler