sexta-feira, 22 de janeiro de 2016

Revisited: Junge Talente des Wiener Staatsballets II / Young Talents from the Vienna's State Ballet (Volksoper, January 22nd 2016)

It surely is a privilege to be a direct eye-witness to what has been going on in Vienna for the last years during the so-called „Legris era“. Not only that but also to be able to follow closely the indivudual progress of so many careers… This includes, of course, our young dancers…

“Junge Talente des Wiener Staatsballets” (Vienna's State Ballet’s Young Talents) is a „small“ Gala that has a certain charm, therefore attracting a completely different audience to the “Volksoper”. Side by side with the customary (elder) Volksoper’s spectators you could find “Balletomanes”, young students from the Ballet school (screaming “Bravo” to their friends while not applauding other good dancers - politcally VERY incorrect - and this just one row behind me), an international choreographer, ex-dancers and many foreigners, attracted by Mr. Legris’ name in the auditorium.
Such “Galas” are refreshing and I must point that it is most important to invest in our young talents.
It is specially touching to witness the great progress of some dancers over just three, two years…


Since I have last seen this programme there have been minor cast changes.

After a mild beginning (Petit’s “Die Fledermaus” and “Pas des Odalisques” from "Le Corsaire”) the programme began to “warm-up” with “The Fall (Attila Bakó).
But the first true surprise of the evening was Laura Nistor in Bejárt’s “Arepo”: known as a very ethereal dancer, Miss Nistor displayed another side of her personality. Her magnificent lines were extremely well showcased in this choreography, specially underlined by the marvelous blue costume. But the point is: Miss Nistor had the chance to prove her versatility not being typecast as a “fairy” and dancing against type, she gave the clear impression of feeling very comfortable in this role. A joy.
James Stephens, from whom we’d see much more during the evening, proved once more to be a reliable, strong partner – something that cannot be said about other members of the company yet, either dancing with a girl or a boy.
I never forgot this: Rule #1 for partnering: Take care of your partner and just then (try to) look god. The other way around does not work – and is mostly disastrous. No place for vanity while on stage.
Mr. Basílio’s persona suits “Arepo” very well. But I have commented that last year.

Greig Matthews and Anita Manolova, two very promising dancers, once more delightful in “Spring and Fall”. This piece suits Mr. Matthews and his technique very well. His jumps improved but most of all, he was at ease, not only with the beautiful use of his arms but also with pirouettes and tours en l’air (finishing in a precise 5th position – something that became quite rare on stage nowadays).

Balanchine’s “Tarantella” – a beautiful tour de force for lovely Nikisha Fogo who finally found the perfect partner for this quick piece that is filled with stamina. Even though for a while musically a bit lost during the first part (she recovered quickly from this sudden lapse) she managed to enchant the audience. The “spring quality” of the grand pliés en pointe à la seconde is still not there – the way Balanchine intended them to be – but it does not matter.
Last year I have written very positively of her and I can only repeat every time that her progress as an artist is immense.
Géraud Wielick, simply powerful, strong, at ease with the technical challenges of the part and not looking for a single moment, as a peasant (Think of the original cast with Edward Vilella). Mr. Wielick passed the impression to the audience of having big fun while dancing. I especially enjoy the way Monsieur Legris has been investing and investing on Mr. Wielick since sometime. A gifted dancer that is beginning to flourish beautifully.

Photo: copyright Thomas Schulz

Not much to tell about Balanchine's “Valse Fantaisie” except that James Stephens was last year a much more reliable partner to Miss Tonoli.
Mr. Basílio did well on his solos, very well indeed – but perhaps the pressure of appearing in three ballets in one single evening was beginning to show.
Miss Tonoli’s exquisite arms, clean technique, lovely lines and very special charisma are something that her into a balletomane’s darling.
The classical dancer per se.
I am positive that we will hear and be seeing even more of Miss Tonoli in the near future.

Chroreographically speaking “Creatures” is my favourite piece of this programme.
A programme that was carefully put together by Monsieur Legris to lighten up hs young dancers.
Patrick de Bana’s incomparable "magical" touch/style (which is so rich i its use of different languages) comes wonderfully to life when danced by dancers like Nikisha Fogo, Francesco Costa, Marian Furnica & Géraud Wielick. Three boys with amazing physiques.
Miss Fogo, a dancer without affectations, grew up even more in this role since last year: the intense richness of her performance, her remarkable technique and musicality – all three combined - enthralled the audience once more (I love the effect of her pas-de-bourrées in comparison to the more “earthy”, round, sometimes pelvis-centered movements of the boys).
That “magic moment” in which the “love affair” between the public and the artist came true once more.
“Creatures” is one of the best rehearsed pieces of the show and one can feel how much accurateness the dancers dedicate to it and the full understanding, full awareness that they have about what they are doing.

Francesco Costa once more a show-stopper in “Le Bourgeois”. Incredible energy.
Not one of my favourite pieces - but still... audiences love it - its humour, its (sometimes) circus-like line...

“Proust” was a disappointment for me: Mr. Stephens was (like Jacopo Tissi in the past) perfectly cast but Mr. Basílio was wrong for the role.
He seemed tired and not at ease (already having danced “Arepo” and “Valse Fantaisie”). His grands Battements jetés balancés (backwards) were notably skew - and that was very obvious from the audience's angle of view. Another dancer, not so “strong”, would have suited this role better. But do not misunderstand me: Mr. Basílio is a gifted dancer. There is only some more work to be done.
Mr. Stephens and his fine lines, gave a very good and clean display of technique and emotions.

The “finale” ( “Grand Pas classique”) was a curious piece to watch.
Both dancers (Adele Fiocchi and Marian Furnica) performed well – when NOT dancing with each other.
Together their chemistry simply did not work, did not match. That happens sometimes.
Appart? They were nice.
Another case of partnering.

Resumée: a most enjoyable “revisted” evening - especially what progress is concerned.
Most enjoyable indeed.
Congratulations Vienna's State Ballet for such a wonderful new generation!

32 comentários:

Iris disse...

Que bom que você apreciou bastante e passou muitas descrições deliciosamente detalhadas e empolgadas, contagiando a mim com um largo sorriso de felicidade. Obrigada!
Uma pena ainda não ter assistido a nenhuma destas lindas performances de Jovens Talentos do Ballet da Ópera de Viena, mas qualquer dia sentaremos lado a lado na Volksoper para tal.
Muitos beijos de um Rio chuvoso por demais. Afe!!!

Greig Matthews disse...

Thanks Ricardo

James Stephens disse...

Thank you very much Ricardo, what kinds words. All critic is greatfully received and helps us dancers progress and mature!

As Tertulías disse...

Dear James, my intention is just that!

Nina Tonoli disse...

thank you for the lovely words!

As Tertulías disse...

No need to thank me, dear! It is the way it is. You ARE a gifted dancer. That's it! Good Night!

Mike disse...

Rick, I'm flying to Munich again next july. I'd love to come to Vienna!
Mike

Anônimo disse...

Que máximo, mandei um comentário!!!
Bjsssssssssssssss

Géraud Wielick disse...

Thank you, Ricardo!

Catharina Aurora disse...

Vielen Dank! Wunderbar geschrieben!
Schade dass ich nicht mit dabei war!!
Ich hoffe wir sehen uns sehr sehr bald !

Robert Gabdullin disse...

O thank you Ricardo, i'm happy for Layra:-) Have good day!:-) Robert

Laura Nistor disse...

Thank you dear Ricardo for writing about me so nice.
Every dancer is happy when we get good feedback and we feel our work is appreciated.
Thank you for giving me the power to work on.
Wish you all the best!
Kisses Laura

Cristina Martinelli disse...

Como gostaria de ter assistido!
Com certeza iria apreciar muito...
Adorei sua descrição detalhada que me permitiu saborear um pouco desta Gala.
Beijos querido.

As Tertulías disse...

Mas querida, voce nao estava do meu lado? :-) Penso tanto em voce quando vou à Ópera... que sinto voce ao meu lado... Ah... um dia, um dia!

Thomas Schulz disse...

mein Lieber - wie immer bin ich begeistert von Deiner Ehrlichkeit !
und wie immer schreibst Du so klar und dabei fachlich so versiert dass es Freude macht Deine Besprechung zu lesen. wirklich ganz anders als die immer gleichen blablabla Schreibereien Deiner kollegen.... James fiel mir positiv auf, hab ich bisher nicht so sehr wahrgenommen. schönes Wochenende mein Lieber !

Ingeborg Tichy-Luger disse...

Danke!!! Schönes Wochenende und liebe Grüße, Ingeborg

Prisca Zeisel disse...

Great Critic Ricardo,
Nice to read something honest about whats happening on Stage!
Xxx

As Tertulías disse...
Este comentário foi removido pelo autor.
As Tertulías disse...

My dear, this is a real compliment, dear Patrick. I - yes, I - thank you for giving us such joy! Remember what Fonteyn (a poor dancer but a marvelous thinker) once said: "Genius is another word for magic, and the whole point of magic is that it is inexplicable". Have a lovely evening!

As Tertulías disse...

Danke Dir, liebe Prisca! Glad that you liked my "honesty"!
Liene Grüße
Ricardo

Patrick Aidan de Bana disse...

Hello Ricardo.
Whow.......you blow me away with your wonderful words.
Thank you so so much (and this is coming from my heart) for how you entered my little world.
Thank you for cheering my team (nikisha.marian.gero and francesco) and thank you for simply FEELING dance.
Very rare these days that people are trying to find magic beyond steps
Send you greetings from paris and take good care....
Best to you.
Patrick

As Tertulías disse...

Catharina Aurora likes this on Facebook.

Anônimo disse...


Vanda Klabin
Lícia Marques
Marcia Souza
Lourdes Bastos
Thomas Schulz
Suzan Opperman

liked this on Facebook!

Isabel Jardim disse...

Caro Ricardo
Gostaria de lhe dar a minha opinião, espero que seja do seu interesse...

Começaria por lhe dizer que, de um modo habitual, a sua narrativa é de tal forma realista, que eu imagino-o na plateia da Ópera de Viena e, acredite, leva-me consigo para essa sala lindíssima, é muito agradável.

Leio atenta e repetidamente (e mais vezes ainda quando o texto está escrito em inglês...) e acho admirável o seu vasto conhecimento sobre Ballet, a sensibilidade para a beleza do movimento e, algo que transparece facilmente nos seus escritos, a capacidade de entender os estados emocionais do bailarino, o que confere o sentimento de amizade às suas críticas e opiniões.

Gosto que valorize os aspectos positivos e de evolução do bailarino, sobretudo quando apontou um erro técnico ou uma interpretação desinteressante; decerto que isso lhe facilita a aceitação de um parecer menos favorável e o incentiva ao esforço de corrigir e de melhorar. Um olhar amigo, de novo!

Ou seja, sou uma leitora fiel da sua página Wiener Staatsballett, para mim, a mais bonita de todas no seu blog!

Muito obrigada.
Um abraço,

Isabel Maria Jardim

Isabel Jardim disse...

Caro Ricardo

Enviei-lhe uma mensagem há alguns minutos atrás, mas estou com dúvidas de que tenha sido, de facto, enviada, peço desculpa pela inexperiência "nestas coisas"...

Obrigada.
Isabel Maria Jardim

Anônimo disse...

Trixi Lichtenberger

likes this on Facebook.

As Tertulías disse...

Cara Isabel, tuas palavras muito me emocionaram. Muito, muito obrigado por tanta gentileza, tanta sensibilidade, tanto "bem-querer" ao meu trabalhinho sobre o Ballet e as Artes. Me entendes muito bem... Fiquei boquiaberto ao ler certas passagens. Muito Obrigado! Di fundo do meu coracao!
Ricardo Leitner

Aparecida Paiva disse...

Vale a pena compartilhar comentários como esse. Puxa amigo, fiquei toda prosa aqui: sou amiga desse super crítico, que nunca deixa a doçura de lado.

Iris Braga Ferreira disse...

Verdade, especialmente querido

As Tertulías disse...

Voces "fizeram meu dia". Agora estou todo "metido"!!! he he he!

Nikisha Fogo disse...

Thank you for a nice review! Hope your well xx

Isabel Jardim disse...

Caro Ricardo

Confirmada a minha incorrigível falta de habilidade a lidar com questões informáticas, é de considerar que a mensagem que lhe enviei há alguns atrás se tenha perdido algures no espaço virtual...
É este o assunto: eu gostaria que o Ricardo ouvisse uma rubrica radiofónica de música, curta, simples e interessante; envio-lhe o endereço, pois não sei como anexa-la a esta mensagem.

http://www.rtp.pt/play/p1271/se-as-cancoes-falassem

Espero que goste.
Um abraço,

Isabel Maria