Music: J.S. Bach, transcribed by Leopold
Stokowski
Set and Costumes:
Santo Loquasto
Lighting:
Jennifer Tipton
Date First Performed:
June 6, 2002
Notes: Renewal of spirit is the re-occuring theme.
“It has grandeur, majesty and a spiritual
dimension. It is also quite simply one of the best dance works
choreographed by Paul Taylor. …[The dancers] are building blocks in the human
cathedral that Mr. Taylor constructs uncannily and perfectly with such powerful
emotional resonance.” – Anna Kisselgoff, New York Times
-AR
-AR
After watching several of his works and reading about Taylor from your bog I can begin to see and understand the importance in the movement’s connection to the music. It was interesting here in seeing how his music choice can change a movement's feel (not only in this piece but in others I just noticed it here). There is a point at 1:07 where the music is a harp (I think) and the dancers walk to change places. Then the music changes into a heavier string instrument but the dancers still walk but suddenly the feel is completely different. First it was light and "care free" and then it was heavier and seemed to carry epic connotations. Perhaps the timing of the walks changed a fraction but otherwise they were the same. I just found it interesting how I was able to view a simple movement such as walking so differently simply because the music changed. I also find it interesting in comparing Taylor with Naharin how different they are. In this piece Promethean Fire there was mention of spirituality in the notes. I feel Naharin is also one to deal with spirituality within his works. They simply do it in very different ways. In this piece the feeling of spirituality appears to be more in a constructed religious way. When Naharin deals with spirituality it is not always so constructed and in some cases becomes something more personal and human instead of in a grand majestic display. This may also be due more to the theme choice. I understand the story of Prometheus to be that he was a Titan who stole fire from Zeus to be brought to the humans. He was punished by being tied to a rock while an eagle forever pecked at his liver (not pleasant). Naharin on the other hand would do a piece with a traditional Passover song. The Greek story calls for more grandeur then that of the traditional Hebrew song. I would say neither approach to spirituality is better then the other they are simply different. I think it is interesting to see the difference and also to know these choreographers are from different parts of the world, and realizing how that must play a role in their perceptions. Cool videos, and good job on the blog!
ReplyDelete~Tasha