Customer Reviews

Balanchine: Selections From Jewels, Stravinsky Violin Concerto (New York City Ballet) [VHS]

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This video, taken from the excellent PBS series "Dance in America", highlights two of the later ballets choreographed by the legendary George Balanchine. "Jewels" features some of the New York City Ballet's greatest company of dancers, including the luminous Suzanne Farrell. The ballet is actually comprised of 4 dances, although only three are performed here. "Stravinsky Violin Concerto" demonstrates the magic and genius of Balanchine's choreography as well as brilliant technical virtuosity. A rare glimpse of one of ballet's finest moments!

This was one of my first ballet video purchases and one of the best. It is worth getting just for the selections from "Jewels." In case you're not acquainted with this landmark ballet, "Jewels" (1967) was choreographed by Balanchine with a precious gemstone theme for each of its three parts - "Emeralds" to music from "Shylock" and "Pelleas and Melisande" by Faure, "Rubies" to the piano cappricio by Stravinsky, and "Diamonds" to 4 movements of Tschaikovsky's Symphony No. 3. Critics have variously described each section as evoking one of the many worlds of ballet-"Emeralds" for French elegance and sensuality, "Rubies" for American insouciance and jazzy rhythms, and "Diamonds" for the nostalgia for the Imperial Russian Ballet. Though there are no selections from "Rubies," the selections from the other two sections are well chosen. The "Diamonds" pas de deux in particular is worth the price of the video alone. I've seen 4 dancers dance the ballerina's part in "Diamonds"-Kyra Nichols, Wendy Whelan, Iliana Lopez, and Deanna Seay-and I've treasured each performance. Yet, seeing the dancers originally cast, Suzanne Farrell and Peter Martins, is the one thing that makes me wish I were older so that I could have started following ballet earlier. And, if the "Jewels" weren't enough, the "Violin Concerto" featuring Kay Mazzo is also an excellent example of Balanchine's neo-classical style expressed in one of his "black and white" (for the color of the leotard and tights) ballets. This will be one video that any serious ballet watcher will want in his/her collection.

In these ballets, I find it impossible to find fault, however, I am compelled to give this video only 4 stars, only due to the unfortunate translation from stage to television. Having seen both ballets on stage, there is just no comparison. Other than this little issue, I have nothing but favorable words.

The excerpts from Jewels are truly a delight to behold, with a great emphasis on the "Diamonds" pas de deux with Suzanne Farrell and Peter Martins. Although Farrell mentioned her personal disappointment with the recording, I am glad that her dancing was captured on film. Watching her gentle interpretation of the piece, it is understandable why Balanchine was so focused upon her. And Martins is spectacular, too. "Emeralds" is always a delight, and all performers therein are perfectly cast. The pas de trois with Bonita Borne, Daniel Duell and Heather Watts is wonderful, lilting and joyous.

Stravinsky Violin Concerto sadly suffers greatly from the translation to television - parts of the editing are very choppy, and seem poorly connected. However, the work of Karen von Aroldingen is magnificent - her quicksilver footwork is perfectly suited to Stravinsky's work. The ensemble works so beautifully together, as if a single body.

Overall, this video is a must-have for the balletomane, and especially so for the lover of George Balanchine's work. Despite its little problems, it stands as a wonderful example of the master's best work.

I have been in the ballet world for over twenty years, and this is absolutely the worst tape I have ever purchased. If your are interested in seeing a good New York City nallet tape, then you should check out the Prodigal Son with Mikhail Baryshnikov. Please don't waste your money on this tape.