Viva Vivaldi premiered in 1965 and was the signature Joffrey work that opened and closed every season until 1970. Gerald Arpino choreographed the ballet to Antonio Vivaldi’s “Concerto in D-Major for Violin, Strings, a Cembalo, Pincherle 151” and later re-orchestrated the piece to feature a solo violinist and guitarist.
The first movement of Viva Vivaldi is slow and stately while the second shows off the exuberant joy and precision of the Joffrey women. The third movement is dramatic and smoldering and the final movement is a brilliant display of virtuoso turns and leaps in a mock competition between two leading men. Containing lyric romanticism, technical bravura, and great wit, Viva Vivaldi has become a staple piece in The Joffrey Ballet repertoire.
Round of Angels was inspired in part by an etching entitled, “Ronde d’Anges,” by Cavaliere d’Arpino and is set to the haunting Adagietto from Mahler’s Fifth Symphony. The emotional ballet set against a starry sky features a couple, destined to part, surrounded by five male angels. Round of Angels premiered in 1983 and is dedicated to the memory of James R. Howell, a member of The Joffrey Ballet, life-long friend and an artistic associate.
Confetti takes it’s inspiration from the buoyant and exuberant music of Rossini’s “Semiramide” overture. Gerald Arpino created a classical pas de six that is at the same time a frolicsome, frothy romp in the spirit of the tarantella, including ribboned tambourines. The six dancers are presented with a dazzling challenge and must display technical virtuosity and speed.
When Gerald Arpino’s The Clowns premiered in 1968, it was hailed as a masterpiece – a contemporary parable of human survival in the face of nuclear holocaust. The ballet explores the comedies and tragedies of human existence and the ever-recurring cycles of destruction and rebirth. Technology is introduced in the form of sculptures and balloons. Plastic society is epitomized and the theme of man against his environment is sounded. The theme of technology gone awry is also prevalent in Hershy Kay’s musical score, which uses the 12-tone, serial form, combining orchestral music with electrical sound effects.
PROGRAM DATES & TIMES
Wednesday, April 27, 2005 – 7:30pm
Friday, April 29, 2005 – 7:30pm
Saturday, April 30, 2005 – 2pm & 7:30pm
Sunday, May 1, 2005 – 2pm
Friday, May 6, 2005 – 7:30pm
Saturday, May 7, 2005 – 2pm & 7:30pm
Sunday, May 8, 2005 – 2pm