Writers, artists, and creatives of all kind have long been drawn to the allure of Vienna, once the center for arts and culture, the European city has inspired many enduring works over the last two centuries. Here the New York City Ballet look to their iconic patriarch George Balanchine and present three of his ballets set to pieces from five composers who's different styles of work make for a diverse and engaging program.
Program
Divertimento No. 15
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Originally found in the 18th century aristocratic saloons and gatherings, Divertimentos are wonderfully varied in length, with one to twelve movements. Considering Mozart's Divertimento No. 15 to be the finest of the form, Balanchine created this beautiful, regal piece in response.
Episodes
Anton Von Webern
A fine example of Balanchine's enjoyment of minimalism, this avant garde piece clads the dancers in black and white to Webern's orchestral movements.
Vienna Waltzes
Johann Strauss II, Franz Lehar, Richard Strauss
Set over five acts, this tremendous ballet is noted for taking the audience on a fairytale like journey, from the charm of ethereal forests to the razzle dazzle of society cafes, to glittering ballrooms of the upper classes, mirroring the evolution of the Waltz itself from its late 18th century inception to its heyday.