Ken, as I remember it, the buzz at the time was that this was an extremely difficult ballet technically, and it took the dancers a few performances to be able to do it smoothly. (Early performances looked a bit awkward.) I think it's a very good performance on video, but that later ones were better. This had the same cast for a long time. Peter Martins subbed for Ib Andersen for awhile when Andersen was injured, as I remember it, but other than that, it was Farrell-Andersen-Castelli.
Other people may have different memories or takes on this, of course. Please chime in.
0
Balanchine Celebration Program #2
Started by
Alexandra
, Sep 15 2000 11:50 PM
39 replies to this topic
#32
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Bronze Circle
Posted 19 September 2000 - 01:30 PM
Alexandra, you must be thinking of Mozartiana - the original and long time cast was Farrell, Anderson and Castelli. Is this one video? If so, I'm not familiar with it.
The cast on the video for Divert includes Castelli, Merrill Ashley, Marjorie Spohn, Susan Pilarre, Stephanie Saland and I think Calegari. I think it is a very good performance give the limitations of video ie it just doesn't have the emotional power of a live performance.
I watched this Divert video recently and although neither Spohn nor Pilarre ever made it to principal dancer. their performances have the polish of those who are steeped in the Balanchine tradition. Tight, pulled up fifths, creamy turns, good extension and they are really inside the music. As are the other better known dancers. Ashley is, of course, wonderful in her solo.
The drawback is only two movements are included. Still I could watch this piece every day, it is a jewel.
The cast on the video for Divert includes Castelli, Merrill Ashley, Marjorie Spohn, Susan Pilarre, Stephanie Saland and I think Calegari. I think it is a very good performance give the limitations of video ie it just doesn't have the emotional power of a live performance.
I watched this Divert video recently and although neither Spohn nor Pilarre ever made it to principal dancer. their performances have the polish of those who are steeped in the Balanchine tradition. Tight, pulled up fifths, creamy turns, good extension and they are really inside the music. As are the other better known dancers. Ashley is, of course, wonderful in her solo.
The drawback is only two movements are included. Still I could watch this piece every day, it is a jewel.
#33
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Posted 19 September 2000 - 01:45 PM
liebs, you're right. Sorry! "Mozartiana" was shown on PBS (with "Who Cares?" and "Vienna Waltzes," I think) but not available commercially.
I can't answer the question for "Divertimento," because any complaints I've heard are from people who don't like particular dancers -- but the complaints are all different
I can't answer the question for "Divertimento," because any complaints I've heard are from people who don't like particular dancers -- but the complaints are all different
#34
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Rubies Circle
Posted 19 September 2000 - 01:57 PM
"Mozartiana" was telecast by PBS in December 1983, along with the complete versions of "Vienna Waltzes" and "Who Cares?" (program title: "New York City Ballet Tribute to George Balanchine"). People who had VCRs at the time were able to record it. Yes, Farrell/Andersen/Castelli danced the "Mozartiana" telecast. No, it has not been made commercially available...although there was great hope at one time that this would be the next installment in the 'Balanchine Library' video series.
We may wish to send our cards & letters to the producers of that series, Nonesuch, requesting that they release that magical broadcast. (hint-hint) Of course, approval must be received by all dancers before a telecast performance is made available commercially...one reason why we'll never see certain blooper-filled telecasts come out on commercial video...such as ABT's 'Romeo & Juliet' starring Makarova/McKenzie, in which Kevin Mckenzie danced Act III with his warm-up pants on, over his tights. [Darn...if it weren't for those sweat-pants...]
[This message has been edited by Jeannie (edited September 19, 2000).]
We may wish to send our cards & letters to the producers of that series, Nonesuch, requesting that they release that magical broadcast. (hint-hint) Of course, approval must be received by all dancers before a telecast performance is made available commercially...one reason why we'll never see certain blooper-filled telecasts come out on commercial video...such as ABT's 'Romeo & Juliet' starring Makarova/McKenzie, in which Kevin Mckenzie danced Act III with his warm-up pants on, over his tights. [Darn...if it weren't for those sweat-pants...]
[This message has been edited by Jeannie (edited September 19, 2000).]
#35 Guest_Barb_*
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#36
Member
Posted 20 September 2000 - 08:01 AM
Re: Mozartiana video.
I remember speaking with someone at the NYCB gift shop who told me that Farrell was holding back, playing it safe, in that video and that her live performances were far more thrilling and daring.
I later saw her live in Mozartiana at the end of her career and I was shocked to see her smiling throughout the T&V. She was so serious on the video. There's that last moment though when she finishes a turn, cracks a smile and the curtain comes down.
What a dancer!
(Equally thrilling on that video are performances of Heather Watts, especially in Who Cares)
I remember speaking with someone at the NYCB gift shop who told me that Farrell was holding back, playing it safe, in that video and that her live performances were far more thrilling and daring.
I later saw her live in Mozartiana at the end of her career and I was shocked to see her smiling throughout the T&V. She was so serious on the video. There's that last moment though when she finishes a turn, cracks a smile and the curtain comes down.
What a dancer!
(Equally thrilling on that video are performances of Heather Watts, especially in Who Cares)
#37 Guest_Barb_*
#38
Platinum Circle
Posted 20 September 2000 - 03:40 PM
I don't think Farrell ever did anything exactly the same way twice, not that she changed steps, but in her approach, conception, emphasis within the phrase, that sort of thing; it's long been my theory that that was a large part of why Mr. B. went so nuts over her - it was always the first time, always fresh, alive - well, okay, she could have a bad night, too - but in general -
#39 Guest_Ginny_*
#40 Guest_Barb_*
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