description Rhapsody (Ashton) Overview
“Rhapsody,” choreographed by Ashton in 1912, is a groundbreaking work featuring innovative use of music by Igor Stravinsky and exploring themes of primal instinct and human emotion through a cast of eight dancers.
help Rhapsody (Ashton) FAQ
Who choreographed Rhapsody?
Rhapsody was choreographed by Frederick Ashton for The Royal Ballet and premiered in 1980. It was created for the company’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
What music does Ashton’s Rhapsody use?
The ballet uses Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, not Igor Stravinsky’s music. The score was written for piano and orchestra and is built on a theme associated with Paganini.
How many dancers are central to Rhapsody?
The work is known for a central virtuoso partnership surrounded by a larger ensemble, so descriptions that reduce it to exactly eight dancers may refer to a particular cast or excerpt. The lead roles were created for Mikhail Baryshnikov and Lesley Collier.
What is distinctive about the choreography?
Ashton combines classical ballet technique with expansive jumps, quick musical changes, and a celebratory stage style. The choreography responds closely to Rachmaninoff’s variations rather than presenting a literal plot.
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