Jewels

The window display of a legendary jeweller on New York's Fifth Avenue sparked the idea for George Balanchine's 1967 ballet JEWELS. The opulent arrangements of jewellery inspired the titles of all of his choreography's three parts: EMERALDS, RUBIES and DIAMONDS. Each of the three gems evoked different associations which Balanchine translated into brilliant dance compositions that have found their way into repertories across the globe. Balanchine's personal notes on the development and meaning of his creation are habitually laconic and make his priorities clear: the music's flavour is his point of origin.

EMERALDS is based on music by Gabriel Fauré whose composition Balanchine associated with an ethereal French dance style. As energetic, vital and athletic, he interprets RUBIES through a composition by Igor Stravinsky. DIAMONDS puts the imperial brilliance of the Russian ballet tradition in focus from which he himself originated and which he closely connects to the compositions of Peter I. Tchaikovsky. His Third Symphony inspired Balanchine to contribute his own interpretation of »grandeur and clarity.«

With his purist approach, George Balanchine led ballet into the modern age and, through his impeccable taste, became a style icon of neoclassical ballet. In his choreographies, he plays with the dancers' virtuosity and skills; the ballerina's flair; the music's structure and mood. Understatement and elegance are trademarks of his choreographic style.

EMERALDS

Music: Gabriel Fauré (from »Pelléas et Mélisande«, 1898, and »Shylock«, 1889)

RUBIES

Music: Igor Stravinsky (Capriccio for piano and orchestra, 1929)

DIAMONDS

Music: Peter I. Tchaikovsky (Symphony No. 3 in D major op. 29, 1875, without the first movement)