Brahms–Schoenberg Quartet

Brahms–Schoenberg Quartet is a ballet created by New York City Ballet original ballet master (and co-founder) George Balanchine to Brahms's Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25 (1861) orchestrated by Arnold Schoenberg in 1937. The premiere took place Tuesday, April 12, 1966[1] at the New York State Theater, Lincoln Center, with costumes by Karinska, original lighting by Ronald Bates and current lighting by Mark Stanley.

Brahms-Schoenberg Quartet was Balanchine's first abstract ballet made for the stage at the New York State Theater (City Ballet had previously performed on the smaller stage of City Center of Music and Drama, its home since its founding until its move to the New York State Theater.)

Balanchine is quoted as saying that chamber music was unsuited to full ballets, chamber pieces being "too long, with too many repeats, and [are] meant for small rooms." Schoenberg expressed similar feelings about the Brahms Piano Quartet; that it "is always very badly played, as the better the pianist, the louder he plays, and one hears nothing of the strings." He orchestrated it at the instigation of conductor Otto Klemperer, who conducted its premiere performance in 1937, with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra.

NYCB principal dancer Yvonne Borree chose to include the Brahms–Schoenberg Quartet in her farewell performance, Sunday, June 6, 2010.

Casts

original

Allegro

8 women
4 men

Intermezzo
3 women

3 female demi-soloists
12 women

Rondo alla Zingarese
8 women
8 men

Notes

  1. 1 2 The Balanchine Foundation website states that the premiere was held April 21 following a preview at the annual City Ballet gala benefit April 19 and that Kent Stowell partnered Patricia McBride in the second movement Intermezzo, whereas the NYCB website gives Conrad Ludlow as Ms. McBride's partner and April 12 as the date of the premiere.

References

  • Playbill, New York City Ballet, Thursday, June 19, 2008
  • Repertory Week, New York City Ballet, Spring Season, 2008 repertory, week 8

Reviews

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