Research Catalog

Todd Bolender coaching the Phlegmatic variation from The four temperaments

Title
Todd Bolender coaching the Phlegmatic variation from The four temperaments [videorecording] / The George Balanchine Foundation ; project director, Nancy Reynolds ; choreography by George Balanchine ; music by Paul Hindemith (Theme with four variations (according to the four temperaments), 1940)
Publication
New York, N.Y. : George Balanchine Foundation, c1998.

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Moving imageUse in library *MGZIA 4-7185Performing Arts Research Collections - Dance

Details

Additional Authors
  • Bolender, Todd
  • Balanchine, George
  • Hindemith, Paul, 1895-1963.
  • Evans, Albert, 1970-
  • Barksdale, Christopher
  • McDill, Nancy
  • Greskovic, Robert
  • Reynolds, Nancy, 1938-
  • Brooks, Virginia Loring
  • Sorrin, Ellen
  • Reusch, Amy
  • Balanchine, George
  • George Balanchine Foundation
  • Reusch Dance Video (Firm)
Description
1 videocassette (VHS, NTSC) (112 min.) : sd., col.; 1/2 in.
Summary
The recording begins with Albert Evans's performance of the present-day version of the Phlegmatic variation from The four temperaments. He is then coached in the original version by Todd Bolender, who created the role in the ballet's premiere by Ballet Society at the Central High School of Needle Trades, New York City, on November 20, 1946. The variation is danced without the four women who join the male dancer after his initial solo. Bolender's version emphasizes inner motivation, and as he works with the dancers he recalls pointers given to him by Balanchine. At ca. 88 min. into the tape, Bolender is interviewed by Robert Greskovic. He discusses early rehearsals for the ballet, and the fact that its score by Paul Hindemith had originally been intended for an unrealized ballet, Cave of sleep. He recalls how he developed his interpretation of the variation from Balanchine's rather rare directions and his own deductions, and describes in detail Kurt Seligmann's elaborate original costumes, which were abandoned in 1952 in favor of practice clothes.
Donor/Sponsor
Gift of The George Balanchine Foundation.
Series Statement
George Balanchine Foundation Interpreters Archive.
Subjects
Genre/Form
  • Dance.
  • Interviews.
  • Video.
Credits (note)
  • Video production, Reusch Dance Video; camera, Amy Reusch; sound, Eric Bechtel; lighting, Alex Faban; editing, Virginia Brooks; coordinating producer, Ellen Sorrin.
Performer (note)
  • Interviewer, Robert Greskovic.
Event (note)
  • Videotaped at New York City Ballet studios, Rose Building, Lincoln Center, New York, N.Y., on September 15, 1997.
Call Number
*MGZIA 4-7185
OCLC
  • 50407329
  • NYPY03-F551
Title
Todd Bolender coaching the Phlegmatic variation from The four temperaments [videorecording] / The George Balanchine Foundation ; project director, Nancy Reynolds ; choreography by George Balanchine ; music by Paul Hindemith (Theme with four variations (according to the four temperaments), 1940)
Imprint
New York, N.Y. : George Balanchine Foundation, c1998.
Country of Producing Entity
U.S.
Series
George Balanchine Foundation Interpreters Archive.
Event
Videotaped at New York City Ballet studios, Rose Building, Lincoln Center, New York, N.Y., on September 15, 1997.
Credits
Video production, Reusch Dance Video; camera, Amy Reusch; sound, Eric Bechtel; lighting, Alex Faban; editing, Virginia Brooks; coordinating producer, Ellen Sorrin.
Performer
Danced by Albert Evans, principal dancer, New York City Ballet.
Mr. Bolender's assistant, Christopher Barksdale, State Ballet of Missouri.
Pianist, Nancy McDill.
Interviewer, Robert Greskovic.
Local Subject
Interpretation in dance performance.
Ballet -- Variations.
Added Author
Bolender, Todd. Interviewee
Balanchine, George, choreographer.
Hindemith, Paul, 1895-1963. Composer
Evans, Albert, 1970- dancer.
Barksdale, Christopher, dancer.
McDill, Nancy. Musician
Greskovic, Robert. Interviewer
Reynolds, Nancy, 1938-
Brooks, Virginia Loring. Film editor
Sorrin, Ellen.
Reusch, Amy.
George Balanchine Foundation.
Reusch Dance Video (Firm)
Balanchine, George. Four temperaments.
Research Call Number
*MGZIA 4-7185
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