KC Hill
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Craig Hill
Oracle of DelphiSwan Lake – A Timeless Suite
September 24th 2008 00:05
The Ballet of Grace
Swan Lake
Premiering in Moscow on February 7 1877, the ballet of Swan Lake has become easily recognised and possibly the most seen ballet ever choreographed. The effecting musical score written by Tchaikovsky can take some of the credit for its seemingly universal appeal.
The art of inspiration
It is interesting that the version we now see in theatres and opera houses round the world is based on the 1895 revisionist performance that modified some of the music.
Based on Russian folklore and a bit of ancient German mythology, Swan Lake tells of a beautiful princess who is turned into a swan by an evil curse. The only way to break the hex is naturally to find true love.
The dance
Part tragedy and all romance, the themes and scenarios have become ingrained into audiences minds the world over. Like the Mona Lisa once you begin tracing the history of how it came to be the whole thing becomes even more enigmatic.
There is no definitive account of exactly who can lay claim to the story itself, but “the scenario, initially in four acts, was done by Vladimir Begichev and Vasiliy Geltser”
Danced repeatedly over the years one the most famous revivals having to be the unforgettable pairing of Rudolph Nureyev and Dame Margot Fonteyn de Arias. Fontaine nearing the end of her epic career while Nureyev was just entering his equally historical peak, you can watch it below.
Poster for the famous performance
An email from a friend over seas triggered this post. What she sent was footage of an Asian ballet performing an astonishingly nimble and acrobatic rendition of the timeless choreography.
Still retaining the graceful appeal of the form this more gymnastics/Cirque de Soleil experience carries the necessary gravity of its source. The finale is a feat of balance and physical control, a marvel of stunning execution and spectacle.
Nureyev and Fonteyn – 10 Minute Swan Lake
Acrobatic Swan Lake Part 2
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