Sergei Rachmaninoff

Rhapsody (Ashton)

Rhapsody is a one-act ballet choreographed by Frederick Ashton to Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. The ballet was made for both Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother's 80th birthday, and

Choreography#

Ashton had stated that his inspiration was “not just from the nineteenth-century classics, but from classicism.” He added, “I’ve worked to develop my classicism so as to enrich and fit in with the repertory of a classical company.” The contrast becomes less obvious when the principal male role is danced by Royal Ballet-trained dancers. The two mostly dance separately, but the moments when they are together have been compared to Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. While the two leads are the main focus of the ballet, the ensemble also has its own dances.

Production#

Ashton first choreographed to Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini for Vincente Minnelli and Gottfried Reinhardt’s 1953 film The Story of Three Loves. The dance was featured in the story “The Jealous Lover.” The scene features the character portrayed by Moira Shearer, dancing what she “supposedly improvised,” before the corps de ballet joins her. Ashton had stated that he “hates” the set-up. In 2016, the costumes and sets were reverted to the original designs. Rhapsody is “by gracious permission” dedicated to the Queen Mother.

Performances#

Rhapsody premiered on 4 August 1980, during the Queen Mother’s birthday gala, at the Royal Opera House.

Reception#

Writing for the Dancing Times, David Vaughan wrote that Rhapsody “is no mere gala party piece.” He added that the ballet “is in the same lineage in the Ashton canon as Les Rendezvous, Symphonic Variations, Scenes de Ballet,” as well as Monotones and Birthday Offering.

Composer: Sergei Rachmaninoff