Колин Нирс Prokofiev wrote music, a love-story based on a fairy tale from the Urals, a mixture of real-life scenes and fantastic dreams, of classical dance and folk choreography. In the words of the ballet"s choreographer, Yuri Grigorovich,the story concerns "the fate of the stone carver, Danila, who wishes to see the full power of the stone and show its beauty to the people. The creative urge which possesses Danila and the desire to create more perfect art is the leitmotif of the ballet". Danila, who is in love with Katerina, desires to create a malachite vase that will be as simple and beautiful as a flower. During this quest, Danila is led to the underground realm of the Queen of the Copper Mountain, who wishes to help him but also wants him for herself. But the strength of Danila and Katerina"s love eventually moves the Queen of the Copper Mountain to release him, and the young lovers return to their village with the secret of creating beauty from stone. Danila -...