46 replies to this topic

[nysusan]

cubanmiamiboy, thank you for resurrecting this old topic. It was interesting for me to re-read the remarks I posted here a few years ago. After another season of Martins Swan Lake and what feels like interminable viewings of McKenzies I have to admit that my assessment has changed. While I still think it’s shame that we here in NY have to chose the lesser of two evils I’m starting to think that I prefer the Martins version.

I go to see ABT’s only when there’s a dancer whose Odette I feel I must see -  and who can resist going to see the likes of Nina, Part and Vishneva. But even with those great artists, their production  never moves me. On the other hand - there are things I absolutely hate about the NYCB version but there are also things that I love about it and the ending has moved me to tears. The last time they did it (was it last year?) I planned to go only once. But during that first performance I was struck by the power and the beauty of the score as the NYCB orchestra plays it. It just seemed so passionate and alive. Then, when Mearns and Bouder were cast - you guessed it- I wound up going 4 more times. And if Kowroski had been cast I would have gone again.

I detest the first act scenery and costumes so much that I only got through those last few performances by taking Balanchine’s advice. I closed my eyes and listened to the music during most of the first act. Hardly what you want from a Swan Lake, but at least the rest of the ballet presented a clear, unified story with some emotional punch.

I’m still waiting for a plain vanilla Swan Lake. Maybe someday...

[cubanmiamiboy]

Kathleen O, on Dec 6 2005, 10:05 PM, said:

(Who are these creatures?  Why, they are the enchanted Jackson Pollock Maidens doomed forever to haunt MoMA after hours unless the hero keeps his vow never to be beguiled by the charms of representational painting again!)

     Oh, God!!...the more i read about the NYCB version, the most intrigued i get about it!!