| Giselle 30.11 (3:00pm)A heartrending tale of love, betrayal and the supernaturalFirst performed in Paris in 1841, Giselle has rightfully become the jewel in the crown of classical ballet. Combining an intriguing plot, sympathetic leading characters, stunning choreography, innovative music, supernatural beings, passion, melodrama and a tragic ending, the ballet represents the height of the Romantic movement that swept Europe in the early 19th century. When Giselle, an innocent peasant girl, discovers that her lover Albrecht, is in fact a Count and is betrothed to another, she is driven mad and led to her tragic death. In Act II, at Giselle's grave, the revengeful Wilis who are the spirits of abandoned engaged girls, rise from the dead and condemn Albrecht to dance until he dies. Giselle tries to sustain him, but at daybreak the spell is broken and Giselle and the Wilis fade away, leaving Albrecht alone and sorrowful. The role of Giselle demands impeccable technical skill, outstanding grace and lyricism, and great dramatic flair. In Act I, Giselle must embody a country girl's innocence, her excitement at the blossoming of new love, and her crazed heartbreak upon being betrayed, while in Act II she must seem ethereal yet still capable of human forgiveness. Giselle is probably the best-known work of French composer Adolphe Adam (1803-1856). His sumptuous and innovative score uses recurring musical motifs (themes representing particular characters or emotions) to drive the narrative. The ballet was originally choreographed by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot, however the choreography for nearly all modern productions derives from the work of renowned choreographer and balletmaster Marius Petipa. The Hong Kong Ballet Artistic Director John Meehan and Senior Ballet Mistress Lin Mei-fang have based their production on Petipa's traditional version. 
gorgeous!! |
