photos
Photo:?Andrew Eccles '99
abstract
Created in 1999 and set to Beethoven?s 33 variations on a waltz by Diabelli, Diabelli Variations is a showcase of Tharp?s intuitive musicality. Her choreography mimics, runs parallel to and crosses Beethoven?s exploration of theme, tonality, harmony, rhythm and melody. Danced with 5 couples, Diabelli begins with parody on the waltz, Tharp?s choreographic representation of Beethoven?s apparent distaste for Diabelli?s ?trivial? theme. Diabelli continues with a series of variations compositionally linked to the music, infused with elements of folk dance, tap, waltz, ballet, and jitterbug. Intended as a parody, Tharp?s choreography illuminates the intensely complex score and weaves in her signature humor and wit.
review extract
A few minutes after the performance had started, I was totally captivated by the seamless, enticing communion between the dancing and the playing...
...Diabelli shows clearly that her creative genius is back in full force and at its best.
Giannandrea Poesio, THE SPECTATOR-London- 6/26/99
...the ballet of the year for me was Twyla Tharp?s Diabelli at the Barbican, with Nikolay Demidenko and a fine cast of dancers exploring Beethoven, and Tharp on top form. Clement Crisp, FINANCIAL TIMES, 5/28/99
Diabelli is dance uncompromising, bold?Tharp?s view of Beethoven is both honest and honorable and, no greater praise, illuminating: her way with the craggy fugue as the piece ends is a wonderfully skilled, as gesture and step and sheer force of dynamics take us nearer the marvels of Beethoven?s writing ? and of Demidenko?s pianism. Clement Crisp, FINANCIAL TIMES, 5/22/99
program notes:
No program notes have been posted for this dance.
performance history
 |
|
Date
|
Company Name
|
City
|
| 9/17/1999 |
Hancher Auditorium |
Iowa City, Iowa |
| 6/18/1999 |
BarbicanCentre
|
London,England |
| 6/5/1999 |
La Cite de la Musique
|
Paris, France |
Diabelli
premiere: 11/7/1998 premiere company: TTDC. Palermo, Italy
