Balanchine Variations

by Nancy Goldner

The literature on Balanchine is vast, but it is primarily biographical. Balanchine Variations is the first book to concentrate on the ballets themselves, providing critical analysis and detailed descriptions of what the dancers actually do. Beginning with Apollo (1928), Balanchine's first extant work, and ending with one of his last ballets, Ballo della Regina (1978), Nancy Goldner offers detailed insights into more than twenty individual ballets. Based on lectures given across the United States, under the auspices of the Balanchine Foundation, they are intended to illuminate his art. Goldner discusses the history of each ballet, places each in the context of Balanchine's life and sensibility. She also addresses his taste in music and whether his style can be considered particularly American. The ballets Balanchine choreographed for the New York City Ballet are danced by companies around the world, and this innovative book is sure to become an indispensable guide to dancers and spectators alike.

Genres: Music, Art

160 pages, Paperback

First published May 11, 2008

Reviews

[JC]

I have no idea why I decided to listen to the audiobook of this lol. I was forced against my will by my mom to take a music history course (outside of school, though while a high school student) to acquire some RCM credentials, and I remember I really disliked it at the time, but that was the first time I learned about Stravinsky and for some reason was very taken by him then. Stravinsky was one of my favourite composers in high school and very early in undergrad. I don’t really listen to Stravinsky that much anymore (with the exception of Pulcinella and Apollo conducted by Masaaki Suzuki, which I listened to a lot in 2016). But most of the ballets I have watched (via dvds borrowed from the library lol) have been Stravinsky ballets, though most often not the ones choreographed by Balanchine. Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker is likely the only ballet I’ve seen live and that’s because my mom was given tickets. I was very young at the time and don't remember too much but do remember loving it. I very likely saw the Balanchine version of it; I’ve heard it’s the most frequently performed in North America (Golder discusses it here). I’ve never really been able to afford ballet tickets but would love to go one day. I’d love to see something by Aram Khachaturian (or Red Detachment of Women lol I am being serious, I just imagine Nixon watching it every time lol). Honestly find it so fascinating that such an aristocratic art was so beloved by communists. Balanchine grew up in Soviet Georgia, but fled while abroad.

This book includes an assessment of maybe 17 or so works by Balanchine including Prokofiev’s Prodigal Son and Stravinsky’s Apollo, which might be worth watching on youtube and reading the chapter on the book’s preview if you’re into that sort of thing. I would have appreciated this book far more if I had the time to actually watch all the ballets Golder discusses here. Will hopefully take the time to watch some of these when I am not so busy with school.

[Steven Beningo]

A very good review of George Balanchine’s most iconic ballets.

[David]

Helps me to better appreciate the ballets that I know a little bit (i.e., those I've seen two or three times)--even Prodigal Son-- and gives me an inkling about the ones I don't (probably half of the works described). Goldner is variable in the degree to which she explains ballet terminology, so this book may not be suitable for someone with no grounding in the subject. Each essay is illustrated with two or three well-chosen black and white photographs of the ballet in performance.

[Iris]

A comprehensive guide to some of Balanchine's most prominent variations! A good reference keepsake.