For 20 years from 1909 to 1929, the Russian impresario Serge Diaghilev and his Russian ballet staged one of the 20th century’s most incredible artistic adventures, redefining theatre, music and dance in every performance.
Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes had music written by some of the greatest composers, works which have since lost none of their originality. Maurice Ravel was the first French composer who received a commission from Diaghilev. His work Daphnis et Chloé is performed today mostly in the form of the two Suites. Here, this masterpiece is presented in its full choreographic form.
Also included is Francis Poulenc’s Les biches. Poulenc’s score is the backdrop for a series of amorous tableaux between three muscle men and twelve excited young girls. His colorful and creative score (one of his finest) is a stylistic romp, drawing freely on everything from Mozart to Stravinsky, folksong and jazz, with even a little Baroque finesse thrown into the mix for good measure!
Haenssler CLASSIC’s Ballets Russes series is unrivaled for completeness and includes many works never before recorded. Each booklet includes historic details of the works performance and artwork from the original productions. World-renowned choreographer John Neumeier has overseen the production of the entire series.
Available on CD and MP3 download, 1.07 hrs, 2008.
