Here is a new version of Marius Petipa & Riccardo Drigo's "Le Talisman" by the choreographer Paul Chalmers, performed by the Rome Opera Ballet. Staged in honor of the 150th anniversary of Riccardo Drigo's birth at the Teatro Verdi di Padova in Padua, Italy, the city where Drigo was born in 1846. This performance of the premiere was taped on March 16, 1997.
**Cast -
Carla Fracci (at age 61!) - the Goddess Niriti
Alessandro Molin - Vayou, the God of Wind
Stephan Fournial - Nourredin, Maharajah of Lahore
Simona Magnani - Princess Damayanti
Ileana Citaristi (also choreographer of the Odissi style Indian dances) - Queen of the Heavens, Amaravati
**Résumé of dances -
1. Introduction, scène
2. Valse
3. Entrée de Niriti
4. Le Vent de Vayou
**Libretto -
Prologue: In the clouds -
The godesses & spirits descend to meet the Goddess Amaravati, Queen of the heavens. Music heralds the entrance of her daughter, the Goddess Niriti. She runs to embrace her mother, & is informed that the time has come for her to descend to Earth to test her heart against the temptations of earthly love. Should she fail, she will forfeit her immortality. Queen Amaravati has called upon Vayou, the God of Wind, to protect Niriti. Vayou makes his entrance, bringing a storm in his wake.
Queen Amaravati then takes a star from her crown & gives it to Niriti. "This Talisman shall protect you against all danger which may befall you." the Goddess says, "However, should you lose it, you shall never return to the heavens again. She then warns Niriti, "Do not lose it. A Talisman lost by a Goddess can only be returned to her by the free will of the mortal who has come to possess it."
Amaravati bids her daughter farewell. Niriti & Vayou descend to the earth.
**History -
Petipa & Drigo produced "Le Talisman" in 1889 at the Mariinsky Theatre for the benefit performance of the ballerina Elena Cornalba. The ballet was unique for its time - it ifeatured two principal male roles: Pavel Gerdt created the role of Noureddin, while Enrico Cecchetti created the role of the God of Wind, Vayou.
In 1895 Petipa revived "Le Talisman" for Pierina Legnani. In 1909, the ballet was revived for the third time by Nikolai Legat, with Drigo creating a new orchestration of his score. Olga Preobrajenska performed as Niriti, while Vaslav Nijinsky performed Hurricane (as the character of Vayou was renamed for the revival).
The extremely lavish production, with its colossal stage transformations & décor, fell into obscurity after the 1917 revolution, & became lost. It is only survived by the so-called "Talisman pas de deux", a Soviet-era hodgepodge that is today quite popular on the gala & competition circuit (it can be viewed here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEHkl9ibbQw )
"Le Talisman" holds an important place in the history of male classical dance. Cecchetti's performance in the ballet was not his first in a leading role in Petersburg, but it solidified his influence over the future of male dancing in Russia. The virtuoso part of the God Vayou allowed Cecchetti to showcase his incredible ballon, tours, & petit allegro. In essence, it contributed to the slow process of getting the danseur out of the ballerina's shadow. By the 1890's, Cecchetti's influence manifested in such dancers as Gyorgy Kyasht (who was often Cecchetti's under-study), Alexander Shirayev, the brothers Nikolai & Sergei Legat, & of course, Vaslav Nijinsky, who caused a sensation when he stepped into Cecchetti's role in 1909. All modern-day male dancers owe these brilliant men a huge dept of gratitude & respect.
**This production -
This is a worthy attempt at re-creating a lost ballet. Although the choreography, décor & costumes cannot match the awesome level of the Imperial Ballet of the 19th century (but then, who can?!), there are very strong moments, including Alessandro Molin 's superb performance as Vayou. Fracci is totally past her prime (she was 61 here), & her musicality & unadventurous dancing leave a dull impression. The biggest drawback is the use of authentic classical Indian dancers who serve as Queen Amaravati & her entourage of Goddesses. The foot stomping of these dancers & the sounds of the irritating little "bells" on their costumes totally clashes with everything & is very distracting.
**The music -
Drigo's score is a masterpiece of 19th century ballet music, showcasing his Italian musical heritage with beautiful melodies & splendid, delicate orchestration. The adagios sound as though they were written for an aria in an opera. Drigo found the perfect balance between musical integrity while still serving the requirements of ballet. His music is, in my opinion, the most perfect music for ballet. Even the great Rimsky-Korsakov honored his music with praise! I am not sure where Chalmers & company obtained the score.
--Enjoy!!
Loading...
15:07
Petipa's Le Talisman w/ Carla Fracci - 2/8by mrlopez26811,014 views
15 minutes video tricks!But ... why did you delete complete version Le Corsaire / Bolshoi Ballet?
BalletArchives 1 year ago
@BalletArchives - I accidently deleted it! I checked the boxes by mistake & clicked delete, and "OK"! Im such a scatter-brain. Oh well. Fortunately "Jardin anime" and the Grand pas remain posted. I really don't feel like putting it all back up, it would take too much time.
mrlopez2681 1 year ago