Masters at Work: Balanchine & Robbins

Balanchine turned to the Russian composer Glazounov for Raymonda Variations. Although the score derives from the titular 19th-century story ballet, Balanchine used the music to create a plotless classical work—a scintillating series of solos, pas de deux, and ensemble dances. Tschaikovsky Pas de Deux, a perennial fan favorite and a staple of the international repertory, ranks among Balanchine’s most dazzling creations, despite its running time of...