photos: FrancoisPaolini
Composed and performed for the first time in 1913 in Paris the dance piece: Le Sacre du Printemps (Rite of Spring) by music genius Igor Stravinsky was one of the most shocking performances of this period. The dance narrates how after various primitive rituals celebrating the Advent of Spring, a young girl is chosen as a sacrificial victim and dances herself to death. If you think about this story of the piece you understand even better why the chic Parisian people where so astonished to see this happening on stage of their usually soft and elegant ballets.
Now, 101 years later, one of the most beautiful versions of the ballet will be shown in Berlin this weekend. Maurice Béjart’s own dance company, the Béjart Ballet Lausanne, which became the guardian and executor of his choreographic heritage after his death in 2007, now gives a guest performance at the Staatsballett Berlin with three of his masterpieces. „Ce que l’amour me dit“, which premiered in 1974, „Le Sacre du printemps“ from 1959, and „Boléro“ from 1961 are all key pieces of his oeuvre.
The three works, which the Béjart Ballet Lausanne will present at the Tempodrom Berlin, are unique. Once again, they will demonstrate the immense power and beauty of this legendary choreographer. Try to get tickets if you still can. More photos after the jump.
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by Claudio | Theater
This is yet another shout-out to one of my favorite musicians of all time: Tori Amos. She is virtuosic piano player and incredible songwriter with a voice made of honey – although she herself describes it as the sound of a fairy on crack. Last week she published her 196th studio album (okay I exaggerated, it’s the 14th, but still!) and tomorrow she will be playing live here in Berlin at Tempodrom. I realize that probably many of you, especially the younger ones, are not familiar with her. But I’m telling you, if you like magical piano sounds and fairy voices, you will love Tori. Her concerts are always very moving and often strike a nerve and reduce me to tears, in a good way.
The new album titled Unrepentant Geraldines has chosen a quite poppy and easily approachable style compared to the previous two that were very classical in sound with orchestras and all that jazz. From all her records this could very well be the least confusing one with friendly melodies and gentle arragements. For me as a die-hard fan it’s actually a little bit to smooth, I like it more crazy. But I have some dear favorites on the record already such as Selkie which she already performed here in Berlin at a press preview a few weeks ago where I also had the chance to shake her hand, as well as Oysters which is a total Tori classic that could easily be on one of her early records, and the amazing duett Promise with her daughter Tash who has such a brilliant jazz voice with so much soul in it. Can’t wait for the concert tomorrow!
After the jump a few samples from the new album Unrepentant Geraldines, a photo of my meet and great with Tori as well as some interview snippets that I really liked. If you want to educate yourself a bit more about her music you have to check this older article of mine with some of her best music videos. Read on…
by Frank | Music
photos: Victor de Mello
Wow. I am sitting here still speachless after hearing the brand new Tori Amos record Night of Hunters that will be released through Deutsche Grammophon on September 16th 2011. With a cover so commercially looking I totally didn’t expect this. I think it’s the most impressive album she has done in a long time. Not that her other records are bad. I have love for every single one of them. But there are the ones that I love a little less such as The Beekeeper or Abnormally Attracted To Sin and the ones I love a little more like From The Choirgirl Hotel or Scarlett’s Walk. But Night of Hunters has quickly made it to the top of my list! Some more details of the album and more cheasy press photos after the jump.
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by Frank | Music
