Ballerina’s Dream

danseuse-degas_med

Program Notes

Program Notes
  • I

    Prélude

  • II

    Gigue

  • III

    Valse lente

  • IV

    Cancan

(performed without interruption)

Ballerina's Dream For Mixed Chamber Ensemble

The 20th anniversary of Olivier Messiaen's death (1992) inspired the writing of Ballerina's Dream (Le Rêve de Ballerina), a rondo-like dance suite, echoing French connections.

In her dream, Ballerina wanders among various dance studios. The passage between studios is symbolized in Prélude and subsequent partial recalls by a dreamy harmonic material based on Messiaen's "mode 3."

Meandering, Ballerina opens the door of the first dance studio, where she is absorbed in a lively Gigue.

 

Meandering, Ballerina opens the door of the first dance studio, where she is absorbed in a lively Gigue.

In the next studio, Ballerina enjoys the solo performance of a graceful Valse lente.

Without ending any dance, Ballerina continues her dreamy drift and enters a studio resembling a cabaret. She is drawn in a chorus line dancing a burlesque French Cancan.

Perhaps, after closing the last studio door, Ballerina …

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