Schönberg: Verklärte Nacht ("Finale") Jirí Kylián's ballet

[BillSalem]

Although in general I like Kilian's work, I've criticized him before and people censured me for having the nerve not to be enchanted with every movement the master makes. But here is some genuinely first rate choreography. Not all of it. Killian is uneven. The several moments where the 2 men lift her so her skirt falls over her face. That tells us what kind of girl she is. But it could have been better done. Without the skirt falling down. It ends up being merely vulgar. Too bad.

[MikeBatard]

I really wanted to like it. I really did. But the orchestra is so badly out of tune. How could that even happen? The lovely choreography simply can't save the music, there is no rescue.

[Canuckoperafan]

Yes I would agree that the orchestra sounds awful. The sound is so thin that at first I thought it was the chamber version, but it's not! Just poorly played and conducted!

[ladyizah]

THIS THING SUCKS

[BryMar1995]

Kylian had already made Viewers, Blue Skin, Stoolgame, and La Cathedrale Engloutie for NDT before he became director. As I recall, Verklarte Nacht was his first work for the company as director @ 1975. Premiered at the Haagsche Staatsschouwburg. He designed the backdrop as well and maybe the costumes too. He edited the score a bit, making it shorter. It's probably a recording of a live performance with Het Nederlands Ballet Orkest. This tape must be @ 1979 or 1980.

[marcind95]

I like it very much.Great atmosphere.I love these colours.And of course many fantastic moments like when they raise their hands in the air.I love Kilian`s work.

[vitality55]

Anthony Tudor made a ballet called "Pillar of Fire" using the Transfigured Night. Does anyone have a bit of that on video. I recall that it was rather touching

[balletnut]

Schoenberg has never been a composer I've liked so.... but, I agree, the orchestra sounds diabolical.

I loved the dance, although it seemed far too balletic for Kylian.

[00000ppp]

orchestra sounds terrible