Article Abstract:
Four decades of 'Agon,' a George Balanchine ballet with an Igor Stravinsky score, have gone by. Particularly in classical ballet, Balanchine loved jazz timing, where he wanted classical form and facility with jazzy timing of a certain sort. In 'Agon' the irregularity of timing is essential, but in a musical, not only a physical, way. As a ballet moves farther from the original cast there is pressure to standardize it. There are videotapes and films of 'Agon' preformances of the past. They add to the pressure. There was flexibility even during the life of Balanchine. Justification for alterations can only be found in a result.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
George Balanchine's 'Symphony in C' appeared in the repertory of the Maryinsky Theater in the 1996-97 ballet season. The Balanchine Technique is preserved at the Maryinsky. Many things are involved in the Balanchine style. The aesthetic of 'Symphony in C' is retrospective; the Maryinsky purports to be a retrospective institution, primarily. At the Maryinsky the Balanchine 'neoclassicism' is mainly an intellectual form of art.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
The ballet 'Agon' with music by Igor Stravinsky made instinctive sense at a first viewing about 40 years ago. It showed uncompetitive pride, discipline, discovery, its theme being at least partly youth. It had 26 instruments and was a kind of chamber-music piece. The 12 dancers were not often all on the stage.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic: