The Rite Steps: Reconstructing "The Rite of Spring"

[@ricardofranciszayas]

Hi Zach, I’ve only seen a video of the Joffrey performing the reconstruction. I’m a Stravinsky fanatic and seeing the piece performed as an entity was transcendent. I’m a 70 year old, musician by trade and longtime lover of dance in every form. I’ve researched the “Riot at the Rite” over the years. Your presentation in this video is by far the most concise and scholarly regarding the restoration of Nijinsky’s choreography I’ve ever come across. I’m so impressed that such a young guy has such skill as a teacher, scholar and presenter. I don’t get impressed too easily but you impressed the hell out of me. You have crazy skills, Sir. Keep doing what your doing. You made this old man’s day!

[@maureenchapman7111]

Very well said. Having been fascinated by the Rites of Spring for a few years, I've learnt so much from this well researched piece by Zach.

[@classicalaid1]

So sorry you perceive yourself as 'old'. Crippled thinking.

[@onemanfran]

I've watched almost every version of the rite I can get my hands on and the only one that I enjoy is the Joffrey. It may not be accurate but it's very effective.

[@onemanfran]

Also you deserve more views/subs

[@wynnrichards985]

Have you seen Pina Bausch’s thrilling Rite? It’s incredible?

[@expertizer]

For me it's the mariinsky Version. Not only is the Tempo more intensive("faster") , but the imagery is far more "russian/slavic" and awakes familiarity - but i grew up with slavic folklore, so I'm biased in this case.

[@estherK765]

​@@wynnrichards985it's my favorite

[@Sheffield6688]

Ten years ago today my son and I were very blessed to have been in the audience for the Centenaire at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris on May 29, 2013 for this. It was an experience of a lifetime! The curtain went up just after 8:00 pm but before that at 6:45 pm, was the start of the flash mob. I’m not sure why they named it that, but they did. It was 33 music conservatory students who were in front of the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées yelling things in French and performing a “quasi-techno Rite, to evoke the atmosphere of the stormy premiere.”. We got inside at around 7:30 pm as doors opened and after we found our seats and after I took a few pictures of the famous interior, beautiful Art Deco cupola which was designed by the French artist Maurice Denis. Millicent Hodson and Kenneth Archer were in the front row, Stage Left, and we happened to see Pierre Boulez in the audience in a central box area along with the President of France at the time. Valery Gergiev and the Mariinsky performed flawlessly in the pit (at least to my ears). All I could do was marvel that that was EXACTLY how the Parisian audience heard it on the same day a century earlier. Daria Pavlenko was the Chosen One that night and all I could say to myself during “The Sacrificial Dance” was “Please don’t trip. Please don’t fall.”. They did wonderfully. I remember vividly the sound of the sliding shoes on the stage during “Ritual Action of the Ancestors”. To this day that’s stayed with me. We didn’t care much for the Sasha Waltz version that came after our intermission (after the 1913 reconstruction) and it was somewhat shocking at least to us. I loved the dancing of the beautiful and athletic Ekaterina Kondaurova, however our disdain for the second performance was authentically great because it brought back something of that original “1913 shock” for us to take back to the United States with us. C’est epic! I took many pictures and put them in an album on F@cebook a month later. No performance OF ANYTHING I’ll ever see ever again will exceed what we heard and saw that night on May 29, 2013 at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées!

[@tingyuhu7394]

Thank you for sharing all the details! I wish I could be there.

[@Sheffield6688]

Thank you! @@tingyuhu7394

[@Sheffield6688]

Also, I liked your "Sea of Illusion" video - very nice!@@tingyuhu7394

[@Sheffield6688]

@@tingyuhu7394 Very welcome!

[@holeymcsockpuppet]

Each performance of a work is an entity in itself....A living thing that is born and dies in front of you, never to be truly seen again. Each performance is an approximation of the intended vision of the choreographer or composer. And if nothing else, each should be appreciated for that attempt. Because anything we do as humans is beautiful and unique...even if not perfect.

[@moderndancer9071]

Thanks for doing this. It's a fascinating story Diaghilev would be thrilled to know that we are still talking about over 100 years later!

[@rebeccajenkins8750]

I loved this so much!! Especially your analysis of what, exactly, the art of dance is, as compared with the documentation of the art. Very thoughtful, entertaining, and well-presented!

[@bricklebox2099]

Well-researched and presented. If only we'd had notators back in the day!

[@jenneacubero1036]

I know this sounds far-fetched, but for the sake of argument, why hasn't "Doctor Who" done an episode about the ballet and riot yet? The show involves time-travel, I'm sure the Doctor could, at least, make a passing remark about it. Meanwhile, I kind wish my music teachers from elementary or middle school told us about this ballet. They probably did but I just couldn't remember or was absent but still, considering how ballet is stereotyped as "girly" or "boring", I sense that something like this could spark a kid's interest. That being said, I can understand why schools would be hesitant to teach children about "The Rite" as the music and even some of the dance movements could be scary.

[@zerotense]

Fantastic video. I've long loved the Rite of Spring as an orchestral work, but only recently discovered the Joffrey Ballet's performance of the reconstructed ballet. This was a hugely informative video on how that work came about. Thanks!

[@loganthornton8319]

Fantastic video and critique of dance reconstruction! Ever since I first heard the Rite, I loved it for its energetic rhythms, the ballet, and the “legend” of its history. I’ve always accepted the Joffrey reconstruction as the way it was performed in 1913 but I see it differently now after your video. I actually kind of find it disrespectful to not treat dance as it’s own form of art. We cannot call something the same dance just because it’s performed to the same music and in highly similar wardrobe

[@SaxandRelax]

It’s the saddest thing, such an important piece of art lost forever

[@Haselius00]

Thanks for this insightful video! You are an exceptionally good presenter. To me, the discussion brings into focus the question: Are historically accurate reconstructions of artistic events really even necessary? Yes, they can offer another vantage point (and I really like Hodson's reconstruction). But does the reconstruction still have the same effect for people in 2024 as it did in 1913? Maybe it does for many people. So, can the ballet be reinterpreted so that it hits even harder today? Maybe the Hodson reconstruction is a masterpiece. But it shouldn't be enshrined as a museum piece. That just restrains human creativity. Stravinsky's miraculous music and the loose storyline may one day be combined with a choreography that blows everyone away and becomes a new standard. Then, a century later, another interpretation shakes the world.

[@katiekawaii]

This video is exceptional

[@imshinycaptain]

I think if Patti Lupone stopped mid performance to yell at me WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE I would just evaporate into thin air. (Of course, I don't take pictures at a theatre performance so...) Each performance is difference. Each dancer is different and will -- and should -- interpret the role for themselves. I think for purposes of seeing the ballet that Nijinsky choreographed, that Stravinsky wrote, that Roerich designed, this is as close as we can get. The research was painstaking and rigorous, and where there were holes to be filled they didn't just do whatever they wanted. They looked at what they did know and made an educated guess. So is it piece for piece Nijinsky's choreography? Probably not. But until we can hop in a time machine and go see it for ourselves this is what we have. They achieved an amazing dramaturgical feat and personally I feel that we owe all of them (and especially Marie Rambert for being a packrat!) a great deal. The first time I was the reconstructed ballet I was entranced. If it's even a small fraction of what the original Rite was I can see how people got so hot under the collar. That said, if we can't prove it... just enjoy it! Who cares.

[@owenveith3850]

that guy was a photographer lol

[@VuyelwaPhota]

I thoroughly enjoyed your video! thank you

[@HenrikBergpianorganist]

Excellent! And so to the point. Btw I love the pearls :)

[@Someone2464-]

They have it on KZbin and that’s version I watch.

[@JamesLaforteza-y2g]

Bravo!

[@ChristianJiang]

This video is amazing, it should really have more views!!

[@David-pt8ge]

I was recently watching on KZbin the drama the BBC made abut the creation of this work, Riot at the Rite. I have always thought of it as a reconstruction and watch it knowing that is can only ever be a partial look into what Njinsky. I don't know about in North America, but in the UK, although the works of this period are still performed, it does feel like that they are gradually waning. It seems such a fascinating period in history, with so many people heading to France to share their love of dance. When somebody does reconstruct a ballet in this way, who owns the performance rights, the reconstructor or the original choreographer?

[@fatovamingus]

That's a super good question because kyra Nijinska sued over that! By the way Hudson and Archer have been reconstructing all of the ballet roof stuff and they just finished... I can't think of it. But it's a great point

[@mmbluemeanie]

This is a very well done video

[@daigreatcoat44]

This is an excellent introduction to the subject - I loved your lightning summary of the plot. Just a few observations, not intended as criticism. (1) By all accounts the dancing at the premiere was a bit chaotic, with Nijinsky standing on a chair and trying to count for the benefit of the confused dancers. If this is so, then attempts at reconstruction must be attempts at resurrecting a partial failure. (2) I assume that the documentation used in reconstructions is finite - meaning that there won't be much more evidence unearthed, if any. If this is so, then all future attempts will be based on the same body of evidence, and so are bound to resemble one another. I've no objection to anyone trying again - far from it, as it's all part of the work's history; but it does make me wonder how much scope there can be for new productions to differ significantly from previous efforts. (3) I read somewhere that an American student of musicology, for his thesis, compiled a complete collection of contemporary reviews and other comment on the premiere. Frustratingly, his thesis has not been published, as far as I know. (4) Anyone who cares about this subject should try to find time to read Taruskin's book - vast though it is. The people involved in the work's conception, their politics, their egomania...When Stravinsky said "I was the vessel through which the Sacre passed" he was just up to his usual tricks: trying to claim that the entire show was all his idea.

[@transistor754]

Fantastic explanation, well done, thanks!

[@mariajosemendoza6232]

OMG! This video is an informative gem since all the information is relevant and of great importance for the history of dance. Thank you for breaking down and analyzing a piece that marked a very important stage in the performing arts. Greetings from Mexico. (Hopefully in the future your videos can be subtitled for the entire Latino community) 🖤

[@classicalaid1]

I look forward to your discussing recent, contemporary versions of The Rite of Spring which have totally departed from all that you are championing here, from historical precedence...or perhaps that would have you venturing into unfamiliar, out-of-the-box territory you would rather leave to others, with a feel for the 'now' rather than being bound by the 'then'. Stravinsky broke free from the past but can you break free from the first performance of The Rite of Spring?

[@Rgoid]

Okay, who else thinks dinosaurs when hearing the Rite of Spring?

[@srothbardt]

Stravinsky referred to Disney’s “Fantasia” when he said a certain recording of the music was “duller than Disney’s dying dinosaurs.”

[@thesilvershining]

I thought dinosaurs fit the music perfectly.

[@drjhand]

Why are there excerpts from Stravinsky's "Petrouchka?" in this video about "The Rite of Spring?"

[@pamelapoulin1871]

Good question...Why indeed

[@SaxandRelax]

What recording are you using in the background?

[@kinbarkly1165]

Excellent video! A new "reconstruction" of the Rite of Spring opened at the Opera National de Paris his year which claims to be a more "accurate" version. The choreo however looks eerily similar to the Hodson/Archer version 🤔🤔🤔

[@fatovamingus]

Maybe I can help...at the very least you do realize Nijinsky's ballet was performed 9 times.. Nine. So the ballet's erosion over time was Massine's restaging with the Ballet Russes which was in 1920 and something I think that dumb Stravinsky/Chanel movie used. Robert Joffrey, having studied with Marie Rambert had some insight into Nijinsky after all, she was assistant. And years into the reconstruction her notes were found and served as the yardstick by which the authenticty was measured. I am not really sure where you are going here? I think I have every doc on my Le Sacre channel. If you want to kick it around I would love to chat on it.

[@iLikeTheUDK]

They didn't respond. Such a shame, I think it would've been a very interesting conversation

[@anitapeura3517]

This was a great thing to watch. I've been entranced by the Russian production (early 2000s) of this since I 1st saw it, still gives me goosebumps, but having read much about Nijinsky, Diaghilev et al, this program was still an eye-opener. The more background info you have, the richer the watching experience. So thank you for all the research! It will help inform every subsequent production I see. Just which production is the one playing under the final credits? Looks like an oldie in B&W.

[@iLikeTheUDK]

Wait what's the thing at 27:08?

[@ColdenLamb]

Throughly enjoyed this video! Thank you for making it! I think at the end of the day, the reconstruction although may not be the 100% original version, was still a nobel intent to recreate the original. I don’t think Hodson would spend years of research just to scam people. The ends justifies the means. Only god and the people who were there that night in May will know what the original choreography looked like.

[@fatovamingus]

I'm happy to see this comment having gotten to know Millicent and Kenneth you're right they wouldn't scam people I mean who counts circles and squares on the hems of costumes if they're not serious haha I could never do that job.

[@srothbardt]

Whether it’s 70percent or less, I prefer this version above all others I’ve seen. By far, Joffrey is better. The Kirov version conducted by Gergiev is also good.

[@sarahnichols4439]

Thank you for posting this video! I have been looking for more background material in how the Rite came about; what really inspired Stravinsky to write it?

[@obiephillips9174]

Great video!

[@julietcunningham852]

"Til Oil-enspiegel"

[@Gwailo54]

Add to that sin L’après-midi d’une faune, changing the gender of the faun, Pierre Mon Toe for Monteux, and Massinet for Massine (a curious amalgam with Massenet?) - the pronunciation of Parade in English not French - and limiting Jean Cocteau to being a film maker and ignoring his other achievents as a poet, playright, designer, etc.

[@mikeymullins5305]

Coming at this from a historical costuming perspective. Lots of ppl recreate either sirvivong clothes or design thier own based on patterns and research. When there are no muesums and all clothes have been lost, and im showing an alien a picture of the suit i made in the style of the 1830's, will they have an idea of what that looks like? Yes. Could they draw scholarly conclusions from it?.... maybe? From what ive heard of this show it started out much sexier. Was disdapionted when you read the quotes about it being tame. Maybe the og rite of spring was the bisexual orgy all along

[@pamelapoulin1871]

The costumes do indeed survive, as documented and viewed in the 2003 Baltimore Museum of Art Ballet Russe exhibition

[@JMA864]

It would have been interesting to hear any parallels to another famous reconstruction-Mozart’s Requiem, although I suppose that would have been outside the scope of your topic m. (Also, a quick check on the pronunciation of Champs-Elysées would be in order.)

[@KellieEverts-ss8uz]

maybe he's got some not so noble lisp

[@jamesparker5011]

Thank you Zach. This is a well researched and insightful essay. There is one thing you discuss but pass over too easily. Every live performance of dance or music is going to be slightly different. Humans have different emotional, physical and psychological situations from night to night, week to week. No two will be the "same." Richard Burton, when performing "Hamlet" said during an interview that he became a little bored during some scenes so one night he jumped onto a table and jumped up and down delivering his lines. Pina Bausch, when performing an early version of "Cafe Muller" (with her eyes closed throuthout) said she felt different one night and realized her feelings, hence interpretation, depended whether her eyes were facing forward or down to the floor behind closed lids. That made a difference. Then, there's "Kontakthof." First performed with her standard dancers, then much later restaged with all performers over 65. Then, ten years later she staged it with teenagers from 14-18 years of age. So, which one is the authentic version of "Kontakthof"? Suggestion: Also, 1913 saw the emergence of Expressionism, in music, art, dance and even film, with "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1919) through Fritz Lang's "Metropolis" (1927). This is a factor which needs to be in your history since the expressionist movement in art itself was very controversial' Again, I learned a lot from your video Zach, but the human factor precludes any two performances being exactly the same, unless you film a performance and then watch that recording, and remember it in context: the beginning of the controversial expressionist movement.

[@hectorrobertocontrerasmiranda]

no comment comment for engagement sake ty

[@edgeplay4205]

Hi "Zach Barr". We can be sure if the reconstruction is accurate is because of an element that is never mentioned. Rite is a ballet for marionettes. All the dancers are marionettes, hence all the jumping. You can tell if a movement is true by seeing it as a marionette movement. Marionettes can do all sorts of stuff that dancers cannot, which is why it is so hard to dance. The groups of three women in a line and 6 dancers in a circle are imitations of 3 or 6 marionettes operated by one puppeteer. This is why the "look" is so wooden. The face and hands of the puppets are made of wood. Petrouchka is also a marionette ballet. The quality of the performance can be measured by how strictly the group dancers act together. Because their strings are all held by the one puppeteer their movements must be exactly together with an unreal precision but also a loose awkwardness. It is easy to see dancers out of place in any production.

[@jerrygranata445]

I’m not sure why we need to talk about an authentic choreography. Even then when it was in the repertoire everyone brought something different to each performance. Let’s face it, it’s impossible to know Nijinsky original choreography so it’s pointless to argue whose reconstruction is correct or close. Let’s just appreciate those who love this ballet and want to keep it going.

[@fiwixx5676]

I can't get over the fact that this guy looks like Dagur the Deranged from How to Train your dragon

[@jenneacubero1036]

Wait, wait, wait! Jean Cocteau was at the riot?! "La Belle Et Le Bete" Cocteau? The guy Kyle Kallegren and SomeJerkWithACamera fought over? That, I didn't know. I should've as he was part of the Russian ballet. Meanwhile, this sort of reminds me of what happened to the "Carrie" musical back in the 80's. It's been said that there was tons of booing from the audience, yet, from the show recordings, it seemed to have been the opposite.

[@fatovamingus]

No I don't believe Cocteau was there. I'm almost certain of it.

[@jojojojo2576]

The reconstruction managed to give a broader and clearer view of the Rite's aesthetics even if it's not down to the core accurate. And that is its significance. Regarding the riot, you seem to be a skeptic of written history even if Stravinsky himself has described the event. More like coming from a conspiracy theorist, it seems.

[@pamelapoulin1871]

Reprehensible is using Stravinsky's music as wallpaper

[@snackygrapepikamirror911]

whoa you look exactly like my friend mark. I should send you a pic, it's freaky

[@PSchearer]

All right, if nobody else is going to ask, I will: What's with the costume?

[@EamonKelly]

We’re here to talk about music, buddy.

[@avosmash2121]

I know, it looks cute!

[@TERRANOVAofficial]

it is the keymoment in the 20th century - the beatles at shea stadium doesnt really compare. maybe if the beatles featured ginger baker and jimi hendrix andy warhol did the stage and nobody heard a rock song before that day. the other examples really dont get close at all....the cheops pyramid if anything

[@thesilvershining]

Ginger Baker and Jimi Hendrix had a career because the Beatles (and others) opened the door for rock music to be taken seriously. The Beatles were a HUGE reason why great bands who came after them even existed. Everyone was influenced and inspired by them.

[@robertmain4773]

Tedious skip it!

[@julietcunningham852]

Pleaser learn how to pronounce "Monteux". The second syllable sounds like "ER" without the "R". It is not pronounced "OH"!!!

[@knucklehead48]

Excellent! But Zach, please learn to pronounce "choreography;" it's pronounced chor-e-ography, not chor-o-graphy.

[@pamelapoulin1871]

And many others Makes your findings suspect---a researcher who does not know how to pronounce

[@madamsthemasterful6580]

mate wtf are you wearing?

[@jassenjj]

Well, who needs this? You're the distraction, I hope you'll realize it sooner than later.