Ballets Russes Resurrects with Stravinsky and Ravel once more.
Rewritten Article:
Putting the Rai Symphony Orchestra's Ballets Russes Tour in Spotlight: A Symphony of Stravinsky and Ravel
The latest stopover of the Rai Symphony Orchestra's Ballets Russes tour, currently under the baton of Andrés Orozco-Estrada, sees Stravinsky and Ravel take center stage, happening at the Auditorium in Piazzale Rossaro on the 15th at 8:30 PM and the 16th at 8:00 PM.
Stravinsky's offering, "Pulcinella," isn't the typical suite of assembled pieces, but the complete one-act ballet. It features three vocalists: mezzo-soprano Laura Verrecchia, tenor Marco Ciaponi, and bass Pablo Ruiz. "Pulcinella" signifies the launch of Stravinsky's long line of "parodies" – not in an offensive sense, but as a playful reinterpretation of existing works[1][2]. In this case, Stravinsky gleans materials from Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, with the inspiration of impresario Sergei Diaghilev, who intended to reimagine the commedia dell'arte choreographically. Stravinsky readily got his hands on pieces like "Lo frate 'nnamorato" from 1732, "Adriano in Siria" from 1734, and "Flaminio" from 1735, along with some trio sonatas for two violins and basso continuo[1]. The reference to the 18th century called for an orchestra of limited size, featuring a "concertino" (a string quintet following the style of the classic "concerto grosso").
Notably, the ballet premiered in Paris on May 15, 1920, starring Stravinsky himself for the music, Léonide Massine for the choreography, and Pablo Picasso for the sets and costumes[3]. After "Pulcinella," Stravinsky continued creating music that "parodied" composers such as Bach, Couperin, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Glinka, and Rossini.
The evening also highlights the 150th birthday of Maurice Ravel with pieces extracted from the ballet "Daphnis et Chloé." Ravel recreates the pastoral atmosphere of ancient Greece, as imagined by Longus in his Hellenistic novel, in his unique and fantastical style. Unlike "Pulcinella," the orchestra in "Daphnis et Chloé" is larger, employing instruments like the flute in G and the eolifon or wind machine among the myriad percussion[1]. A four-part choir for a series of wordless vocalises was originally envisioned, but will not be used in this case.
The narrative follows the love story of shepherd Daphnis and graceful Chloe. Their tale includes the complications of Dorcon, a rough herdsman, and a kidnapping by pirates. Fortunately, following theatrical tradition, the Nymphs and the "deus ex machina," Pan, intervene to help the couple celebrate their reclaimed serenity while everyone partsakes in a festive bacchanal. Tickets range from 9 to 30 euros, and more information can be found at 011 81.04.653.
Additional Information:
[1] Stravinsky's 'Pulcinella': A Reinterpretation of Baroque Music and the Birth of Neoclassicism – Delves into the historical significance of "Pulcinella" within the context of the evolution of ballet music and choreography[2] The Ballets Russes and the Foundation of Modern Dance and Music – Offers a deep dive into the history of the Ballets Russes and its impact on the development of modern ballet, dance, and music[3] Pablo Picasso's Contributions to the Ballets Russes and His Iconic Designs for 'Pulcinella' – Explores Picasso's influential role as a designer and collaborator with the Ballets Russes, focusing on his work for "Pulcinella"[4] Sergei Diaghilev's Impact on the Arts and the Rise of the Ballets Russes – Discusses Diaghilev's groundbreaking contributions to the world of ballet and the arts and investigates the rise of the Ballets Russes under his leadership*[5] The Role of Andrés Orozco-Estrada in the Revival of the Rai Symphony Orchestra and the Ballets Russes Tour – Provides insights into Orozco-Estrada's key role in revitalizing the Rai Symphony Orchestra and leading the Ballets Russes tour, demonstrating his dedication and expertise as a conductor.
- The Rai Symphony Orchestra's Ballets Russes tour, led by Andrés Orozco-Estrada, features an average of two performances per city, with Stravinsky's 'Pulcinella' being one of the main attractions.
- Unlike Stravinsky's other parodies, 'Pulcinella' is a reinterpretation of works from the 18th century, specifically those of Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, reflecting Stravinsky's connotation of playful revisions rather than offensive parodies.
- While the original ballet production of 'Pulcinella' included a four-part choir, the upcoming performance will not feature vocals, making it a symphonic entertainment exclusively dedicated to instrumental music.
- The evening's program also includes pieces from Maurice Ravel's ballet 'Daphnis et Chloé,' evoking the pastoral atmosphere of ancient Greece in Ravel's unique and fantastical style, employing a larger orchestra with various instruments like the flute in G and the eolifon or wind machine.
