Ludwig Minkus may have been no Delibes or Tchaikovsky, but he does not deserve the disparaging comments that have often been his lot. His music is easy on the ear, always tuneful and often stirring. La bayadere (1877) was his major success after Don Quixote (1869), and its final act (''The Kingdom of the Shades'') has often since been danced as a separate ballet. For Paquita (1881) he merely supplemented an existing score by Deldevez, but again Minkus's contribution has subsequently been danced as a separate ballet.
Using as reference the complete recording under Richard Bonynge (Decca, 7/94), what is described here as excerpts from La bayadere turns out to be just Act 2 minus the introduction. What is then presented as Minkus's complete Paquita music also includes contributions attributed to Delibes, Pugni and Tcherepnin. I expressed my enthusiasm for La bayadere when I reviewed the Bonynge recording; but it is Paquita that contains the more exciting and memorable music – above all the Grand Pas which Bonynge (again) recorded and which is included in Decca's ''Pas de deux'', and more recently in ''Ballet Gala'' (11/90).
There is no doubt that, for the purposes of home listening, Bonynge manages to inject more variation and excitement into the music. However, Boris Spassov has the greater experience of conducting ballet in the theatre, and his recording is on any count excellently performed and recorded. It should make rewarding listening for anyone wishing to hear Minkus's music for Paquita complete.'