Ilya Posted May 5, 2010 Share Posted May 5, 2010 It seems that the original Namouna, as choreographed by Lucien Petipa in Paris in the 1880s, was a story ballet. Does anyone know what the story was, and whether Ratmansky used the same story? I was able to find very little information on this ballet (http://www.answers.com/topic/namouna, http://www.answers.com/topic/namouna-ballet-in-2-acts). Anything more in-depth would be highly appreciated. I am going to watch it for the first time on Saturday, and would like to be as prepared as possible. Link to comment
rg Posted May 5, 2010 Share Posted May 5, 2010 Beaumont's COMPLETE BOOK OF BALLETS includes a synopsis. some of the CD recordings of the suites include mention of the original narrative. Spire Pitou's multi-vol. encyclopedia of Paris Opera works also includes a synopsis: the "action" is set in 17th c. Greece and opens in a casino in Corfu/ Ratmansky did not use the scenario, but rather addressed some of the original scenario's atmopshere and some of the music's specific titles, such as "La Cigarette" for a waltz. Lifar's SUITE ON BLANC kept the music numbers' titles but made no particular reference to them in his choreography. Link to comment
Recommended Posts