Sylvia

[MinkusPugni]

I just bought a CD of Sylvia (I love the music!) but I've never seen it before. I was just wondering if anyone could give a piece-by-piece synopsis of the ballet as was done with Raymonda a while ago. Thanks in advance!

[drb]

An extremely detailed piece on Sylvia can be seen at:

http://www.cooldictionary.com/words/Sylvia...%2529.wikipedia

including libretto, performance history, versions, choreographers (Did you know that Delibes asked Ashton to resurrect the ballet? In a dream, of course.), photos, reviews, lots of info on the score.

A small excerpt:

Musical scenes

[Act I

i. Prelude

ii. Faunes Et Dryades

iii. Le Berger

iv. Les Chasseresses

v. Intermezzo

vi. Valse Lente

vii. Viktor Simeisko

viii. Cortege Rustique

ix. Scene

x. Entree Du Sorcier Et Final

xi. Entr'Acte

[Act II

i. La Grotte D'Orion

ii. Danse Des Ethiopiens

iii. Chant Bacchique

iv. Scene Et Danse De La Bacchante

v. Rentree De Sylvia

vi. Scene Final

[Act III

i. Marche

ii. Cortege De Bacchus

iii. Scene At Barcarolle

iv. Divertissement: Pizzicati

v. Divertissement: Andante - Viktor Simeisko

vi. Divertissement: Pas Des Esclaves

vii. Divertissement: Variation-Valse

viii. Divertissement: Strette-Galop

ix. Le Temple De Diane (Final)

x. Apparition D'Endymion (Apotheose)

ABT's site gives this synopsis for their production:

Act 1 – A Sacred Wood. Woodland creatures dance in the moonlight before the shrine of Eros, the God of Love. They are interrupted by the arrival of the shepherd Aminta, who is in love with Sylvia. Hearing Sylvia and her attendants approaching, Aminta hides and watches them dance as they celebrate the success of their hunt. Sylvia, who as one of Diana’s nymphs has promised to renounce love, taunts the statue of Eros. Meanwhile, Orion, the evil hunter, has also been secretly watching Sylvia and, inflamed by her beauty, is determined to possess her.

Aminta’s cloak is discovered and the shepherd is dragged from his hiding place. He declares his love for Sylvia, but she is outraged and, blaming the mischievous Eros, draws her bow at the god. Aminta, shielding the statue, is pierced to the heart by Sylvia’s arrow. Eros retaliates by shooting Sylvia. Shaken, she removes the arrow from her heart and leaves with her companions.

Peasants on their way to the fields, dance in honor of Eros. As they leave, Orion enters and gloats over the body of Aminta. He is interrupted by the return of Sylvia who, having been pierced to the heart by Eros’ arrow, now mourns the dead Aminta. Emerging from his hiding place, Orion captures Sylvia and carries her off to his island cave.

A peasant, having witnessed Sylvia’s abduction, calls his friend back and they too weep over Aminta’s body. A strange, cloaked figure appears among them, and they ask him for his help. He picks a flower from the nearby bush and pressing the petals to Aminta’s lips, brings him back to life. Aminta thanks the stranger who then tells him of Sylvia’s abduction. As the peasants find her bow the stranger reveals himself as Eros and sends Aminta in search of Sylvia.

Act 2 – Orion’s Island Cave. Orion tries in vain to gain Sylvia’s affection by tempting her with jewels and fine clothes. She is reminded of her love for Aminta by Eros’ arrow, but as she attempts to escape, Orion takes it from her. He offers her wine, but she, in order to evade his advances, encourages him to drink. She dances for him until he falls senseless, whereupon she retrieves the arrow and prays to Eros for help. Appearing, Eros shows Sylvia a vision of Aminta waiting for her by Diana’s temple and takes her to be reunited with him.

Act 3 - The Sea Coast near the Temple of Diana. A festival in honor of the god Bacchus is interrupted by the arrival of Aminta in search of Sylvia. He hopes to find her in Diana’s temple but is met by closed doors. He sees a boat approaching with Eros, Sylvia and her attendants on board, and Eros reunites the lovers.

The general rejoicing is interrupted by Orion, determined to recapture Sylvia. She takes refuge in the temple and, after a fight with Aminta, Orion tries to break in. Enraged by the intrusion, Diana appears and kills him. Her anger is now directed at the lovers and she forbids their union. Eros reminds Diana that she herself was once infatuated with a simple shepherd, Endymion. She relents and gives the lovers her blessing.

Whatever, it is really worth seeing (and hearing, of course)..

[Mel Johnson]

(Did you know that Delibes asked Ashton to resurrect the ballet?  In a dream, of course)

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That's what happens when you substitute absinthe for vermouth in your martinis!

[drb]

That's what happens when you substitute absinthe for vermouth in your martinis!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ahhh... so THAT'S the solution! Let's require absinthe drinking in Choreography 101.

[MinkusPugni]

Thanks heaps drb!