New York City Ballet in Paris

The New York City Ballet travels to the City of Lights for a celebration of the work of the company's legendary co-founder and long-time artistic director George Balanchine in this 2016 program showcasing four prime examples of his brilliance that each have a distinct French connection. Leading off is the vivacious Walpurgisnacht ballet from Charles Gounod's Faust, which was originally choreographed for the Paris Opéra in 1975, followed by Balanchine's elegant 1975 pas de deux to Maurice Ravel's Sonatine for piano solo. Next comes La Valse (1951), in which Balanchine precedes Ravel's famous orchestral poem with the composer's Valses Nobles et Sentimentales to fashion a stunning portrait of gradually escalating disintegration. The final work is also the longest, the Symphony in C choreographed for the Paris Opera Ballet in 1947, which employs varying combinations of dancers in each of the four movements of Georges Bizet's exuberant youthful symphony. The evening performance not only emphasizes the relationship of Balanchine with French music and dance, but allows all of the components of the company—principals, soloists, and the entire corps—their moments in the spotlight. Featuring subtly colored costumes and evocative lighting, as well as supportive work from the Orchestre Prométhée under Daniel Capps, this is a fine tribute to one of the 20th century's most gifted choreographers. Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and PCM stereo on DVD, and DTS-HD 5.1 and PCM stereo on Blu-ray, this is recommended. (F. Swietek)