Four Temperaments

In 1940, George Balanchine (1904-1983) commissioned composer Paul Hindemith to write a piece of music that he could play at home on the piano. So when the American-Russian choreographer made a ballet to it in 1946, he knew the composition – The Four Temperaments – like the back of his hand. Not only did he succeed in creating a work that is still exciting and surprising 75 years later, but the tricky, swinging choreography also adds a magical dimension to Hindemith’s music.

Musical miracle

Hans van Manen’s Frank Bridge Variations is also a miracle of musicality. So much so, in fact, that according to one critic it is the only possible response in dancing to Benjamin Britten’s Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge. Inspired by the music, the ballet is characterised by contrasts. A constant factor, however, is the refined simplicity that typifies Van Manen’s style. Often through the simplest of steps, he succeeds in generating maximum expression.

Dancers and musicians together on stage

For Four Temperaments, artistic director Ted Brandsen is creating a new ballet for a big ensemble, set to John Adams’ fabulous and compelling The Chairman Dances. In Juanjo Arqués’ new piece, set to Michael Gordon’s Weather One, the internationally successful young choreographer makes the connection between dance and music even more visible, by letting the dancers share the stage with musicians from Dutch Ballet Orchestra.