En sol is a ballet choreographed by Jerome Robbins in 1975 for New York City Ballet's Ravel Festival, set to Maurice Ravel's Piano Concerto in G major (1928-31). The ballet had its successful premiere at the New York State Theatre on May 15, 1975. In 2008, when the Paris Opera Ballet staged Robbins' En Sol, it called on the renowned artist Erté to design the sets and costumes. The production featured six leading dancers, including Emilie Cozette, Aurélie Dupont and Dorothée Gilbert in the female roles, and Hervé Moreau, Christophe Duquenne and Mathias Heymann in the male roles.
Maurice Ravel composed the concerto after a visit to the USA, and his work is often described as having been written under the influence of jazz. This inspiration enabled Robbins to add a touch of Broadway magic into the ballet, which, like Ravel's music, does not follow a specific narrative or dramatic structure. The second movement, the adagio, of En Sol is reputed to feature one of the most exquisite pas de deux ever created by Jerome Robbins in a ballet.
In the Night, a ballet depicting the life and death of a love story through three distinct couples, was choreographed by Jerome Robbins in 1969 for the New York City Ballet. It was first performed in the winter of 1970, to evocations of Frédéric Chopin's Nocturnes. Notably, this ballet marked the second of four remarkable occasions when Jerome Robbins drew inspiration from Chopin's musical compositions. Robbins' other three works that feature music by this romantic composer include Dances at a Gathering, The Concert, and Other Dances. Interestingly, it is rumoured that George Balanchine, despite his attendance at the premiere, harbored some initial reservations about the work.
The ballet unfolds in three acts, each exploring different facets of love and relationships. The first act depicts young, passionate love, the second explores the challenges of marriage, and the final act examines ennui and the impending breakdown of a relationship. In the Night has become a favourite with international ballet companies, and has been revived by such renowned companies such as the Paris Opera Ballet and the Royal Ballet. In 1990, six principal dancers from the Paris Opera Ballet were invited to perform the piece in New York. What sets In the Night apart is its ability to convey the subtleties of human emotions and interpersonal relationships through movement alone. Robbins' emotionally-charged choreography was presented on the Paris Opéra stage in March 1999, paying tribute to the choreographer just a few months after his death.
The Concert, a comedic parody of a classical music performance in which the audience lets its imagination run wild, also features the music of Chopin. In this ballet, Jerome Robbins' choreography shines as it masterfully weaves a narrative that elicits laughter through dance. The ballet is a delightful exploration of the human experience, emphasizing the universality of humour and absurdity in daily existence. From the exasperated pianist to the endearing frailties and insecurities of the dancers and audience members, The Concert captures the essence of everyday life with finesse and humour.
The original sets were designed by Saul Steinberg and the costumes by Irene Sharaff. Premiered in New York in March 1956, this ballet is a one-act masterpiece. When it entered the Paris Opéra repertoire in 1992, it was subtitled Les Malheurs de chacun (The Perils of Everybody). The first performance featured such dance legends as Monique Loudières, Carole Arbo, Marie-Claude Pietragalla, Jean-Yves Lormeau, Kader Belarbi and Wilfried Romoli. The ballet was a great success, and was included in the 1993, 1999, 2001, 2008 and 2010 Paris Opera seasons.
