Sylvia, boasting a rich score by Léo Delibes that was admired by Tchaikovsky, has had a surprisingly checkered past: Sergei Diaghilev left the Imperial Theater in a huff over this work, and various productions failed to take off until the legendary Ashton mounting starring Margot Fonteyn. In 1997, John Neumeier attempted to wipe the slate clean and start again with a new approach incorporating elements of both classic ballet and modern dance (since then Mark Morris has hopped on the bandwagon with his own interpretation, the first full-length American production in 2004). The story takes place in Diana's sacred wood, where Sylvia and Aminta are among the nymphs and shepherds who search for love. In this beautifully executed 2004 Opéra National de Paris staging, Neumeier aims to strip the characters of their mythological trappings (preferring they “belong to our time, but outside of time”), employing contemporary costumes and minimal sets to back up witty, athletic choreography (featuring gravity-defying lifts and muscular moves) that underscores the sensual, erotic quality of the music. The cast of the Ballet de l'Opéra de Paris—Aurélie Dupont as Sylvia, Manuel Legris as Aminta, Nicolas Le Riche as Amor/Orion, Marie-Agnès Gillot as Diana, and José Martinez as Endymion—is strong, as are the dancers in the corps, who rise to the occasion with panache. The Orchestre de l'Opéra National de Paris, under Paul Connelly, is superb, with wonderful brass, shimmering strings, and sweet woodwinds evoking the sylvan setting. Presented in Dolby Digital 5.0, DTS 5.0, and LPCM stereo, DVD extras include enlightening interviews with choreographer/director Neumeier and dance director Brigitte Lefèvre. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (J. Reed)
Sylvia
(2004) 136 min. DVD: $29.99 (booklet included). TDK (dist. by Naxos of America). Color cover. Volume 21, Issue 5
Sylvia
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