History#

Ginastera’s ballet was a commissioned project by Kirstein for the American Ballet Caravan, with choreography ostensibly provided by Russian choreographer George Balanchine. The ballet company had involved themselves in another Western-inspired ballet at the time, Copland’s Billy the Kid (1938). While on tour in Argentina with the company, Copland met Ginastera and a deep friendship ensued. Ultimately, the work was premiered. In 1952, the Colon Theater Ballet held the ballet’s official premiere, with choreography supplied by the Russian choreographer Michel Borovsky. The lead dance role was performed by Enrique Lommi who is said to have asked for simpler footwork as the orchestra had begun to drown his sounds out. In 2010, the New York City Ballet reconceptualized the work. The work was choreographed by English choreographer Christopher Wheeldon with set design by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.

Scenes#

Dawn (El amanecer) #* Introduction and Scene (Introducción y escena) #* Little Dance (Pequeña danza) # Morning (La mañana) #* Wheat Dance (Danza del trigo) #* Farm Workers (Los trabajadores agrícolas) #* The peons of the hacienda – Entrance of the little horses (Los peones de la hacienda – Entrada de los caballitos) #* Villagers (Los puebleros) # Slow (El lento) #* Sad Pampas (Triste pampeano) #* Church (La doma, Rodeo) #* Idyll at Twilight (Idilio en el crepúsculo) # Night (La noche) # Dawn #* Scene (Escena) #* Final Dance (Danza final, Malambo)#

Recordings#

• Ginastera, A.: Panambi / Estancia (complete ballets) (Naxos, 2006)