Choreography: William Forsythe
Music: Thom Willems
Set decoration, costumes and light design: William Forsythe
Staging: Glenn Tuggle
World premiered by the Ballet de L’Opéra de Paris at the Théâtre National de l’Opéra de Paris, on May 29th, 1987. Premiered by Compañía Nacional de Danza at Teatro de la Zarzuela of Madrid, September 11th, 1992.
The strength of a work
is based on its simplicity.
In
the Middle, lacking in any external
effects, is concentrated in the
traditional formula theme and variations.
The main theme, danced by the ballerina,
increases progressively in relation
with the number of dancers, until
the result of the groupbecomes
much more complex variations and
pas de deux. The pretended disdain
of the dancers contrasts with the
strict and severe technical demands. The
title of the ballet refers to two
golden cherries, which hang above
from the centre of the stage, and
which lead to a minimal reflexion
within the huge interior of
l’Opéra
de Paris, the space in which this
ballet was created.
Thom Willems was born in 1955
in the
Netherlands. He studied
electronic and instrumental composition
at the
Koninklijke Conservatorium of music in Den Haag. upto now
his work as a composer has been
mainly focused on electronic music
for the stage. He is a very frequent
collaborator with William Forsythe
and together they have created
more than 25 ballets.
Thom Willems has composed music
for other choreographers, including
Daniel Ezralow, Daniel Larrieu,
Marcia Haydee and Kristina de Chatel.
He has also created music for films
and TV.
His work forms part of the repertory
of
Frankfurt Ballet,
San Francisco
Ballet, Ballet de L’Opéra de Paris, New York City Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Company, National Ballet of Canada, and many others.