Rhapsody pas de deux

Sir Fred created this ballet as an 80th birthday present for the Queen Mum. Here is the pas de deux from the opening night, featuring Michael Baryshnikov and Lesley Collier.
As far as I know, this is the only part of the ballet that was ever broadcast. Does anyone know of a complete version?

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Rhapsody
• Michael
• Baryshnikov
• Lesley
• Collier

[vielsu]

lovely, although the dodgy colour on the recording makes it look like they both recently died, which is distracting... they are blue!

[quillerpen]

@vielsu Yes, sorry about that - I wish I (or someone else) had a better copy but this is all I've got

[quillerpen]

Yes, this was recorded and broadcast on that night, but Ashton only allowed the pas de deux to be shown (quite understandable for a brand new work).

I was told that the whole ballet would be shown after the Queen Mum died, but this never happened, so whether the Beeb still have it is anyone's guess.

I too prefer this setting - the style and colour of the set match the delicacy of the chroeography.

[melinaballerina03]

This is one of the best pieces I've seen,

[makeupisgreat1]

Incredibly beautiful without being austintatious and desinged for trickts, just art.

[sauronsdaugther]

Whoever owing the original tape of this must do a restoring to make it available on DVD. I would be first in the line to buy it. Just perfect.

Thanks for sharing!

[vielsu]

@quillerpen That's ok, it's not your fault! They still look magnificent.

[MishaGelsey]

@qbendanny1 I totally agree with you! Wish this had been Gelsey with Misha!

[vickiehill1]

Amazing! One of my favorite ballet dancer's (Baryshnikov) dancing to one of my favorite composer's (Rachmaninoff) & one of my favorite pieces. Pas de deux's are my favorite also. Sigh...I am happy. :)

[twinjane17]

i agree!