Four decades of 'Agon.' (George Balanchine ballet to Igor Stravinsky score)
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.
Publication Name: Ballet Review
Subject: Arts, visual and performing
ISSN: 0522-0653
Year: 1997
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'Agon' and its music
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.
Publication Name: Ballet Review
Subject: Arts, visual and performing
ISSN: 0522-0653
Year: 1997
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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