Two Words, One Answer.
Guest Passes
 Herman Severin Lvenskiold: Sylfiden $16.99 It can be said that La Sylphide (Sylfiden as the Danes call it, was premiered by the Royal Danish Ballet in 1836), composed by Herman Severin Lovenskiold and choreographed by Bournonville, is the earliest piece of ballet music from the Romantic period that has been recorded. However, an ealier version of the same ballet by a different composer (Schneitzhoeffer)--no recordings--and choreographer has been revived by the Paris Ballet (Who knows how faithful it is to the original!). La Sylphide is a story about a female spirit, called the Sylphide, who falls in love with a young man; he too falls in love with her. But the little courtship is to be cut short by a witch. The fairy tale ends with the death of the Sylphide. The star ballerina of the first version of La Sylphide was Marie Taglioni, who was forever associated with the beginning of the Romantic ballet. Now we come to the version recorded on this CD. First, a little history. After the Danish choreographer, August Bournonville, saw Marie Taglioni dance in the role of the Sylphide at the Paris Opera, he wanted to stage his own production of the ballet. But first, he had to purchase the rights for using the score (by Schneitzhoeffer), but to his disappointment, it was too expensive. Consequently, he decided to have entirely new music written. And the man to accomplish this was Lovenskiold. So successful was this second version that the complete Bournonville choreography along with Lovenskiold's score are still used today by the Royal Danish Ballet. This is a superb "complete" performance by the Danish Radio Sinfoniette. The sound is clear and rich! Damgaard who has been the chief conductor at the Royal Danish Theatre since 1990 conducts beautifully. Under his baton, the orchestra makes the music sound alive and poignant. For those who are interested in ballets or just a great fairy tale, I highly recommend they get this CD. The only alternative recording is the one on Chandos, performed by the Royal Danish Orchestra (conducted by Garforth). It is also excellently performed (Read my review for that recording!). That CD contains an extra number (a pas de deux, which is not ever played as part of the complete ballet), which is a delight to hear! The CPO version, however, contains James' Act 1 solo, which is not in the Chandos recording. If you're a completist, get both!  Bar Chicago Pass (Chicago) $1.00 No theme, no attitude, just BAR.. dance on our bar, be entertained by the best staff in chicago and if we are doing our jobs we will give you a night that you wont remember! Voted number one singles bar every year. College night every Thursday, wristband packages and vip specials every Friday, bachlorette headquarters on Saturday. Vip room available for parties of 20 or more. Ttables and bottle service available. |
|
