Ondine

Composed on a commission from choreographer Frederick Ashton in 1958 for the Royal Ballet and its prima ballerina Margot Fonteyn, this ballet by Hans Werner Henze shows off the composer's accessible early style in a score that—although clearly indebted to Stravinsky—is atmospheric, inventive, and richly orchestrated, featuring many delicate touches of color and timbre. The story is based on a folktale (one so popular in the 19th century that it inspired a number of ballets and operas, as well as Neil Jordan's feature film Ondine, reviewed on page 32) about the titular water nymph, who is loved by a mortal named Palemon. The pair are allowed to mate, but only with the proviso that Palemon will die if he is ever unfaithful. It's obvious where this particular path is headed, but as mapped by Henze and Ashton, the journey to the predictable finale is a pleasure. This 2009 revival from Covent Garden replicates the original choreography, backed by Lila de Nobili's colorful and evocative designs. While Miyako Yoshida, as Ondine, may not equal the magic of Fonteyn (some of whose performance is preserved on film), she's excellent in her own right, and Edward Watson makes a graceful partner. Under the baton of Barry Wordsworth, the Royal Opera House Orchestra is vibrant and subtle. Presented in DTS 5.1 (DTS-HD 5.1 on the Blu-ray version) and LPCM stereo, extras include an interview with Henze, and a cast gallery. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)