ASTONISH ME! (Etonne moi)
Diaghilev & The Ballets Russes.
Surrounded by a concrete jungle and noisy traffic, there is a haven of beauty and tranquillity to be found in the beautiful Belle Epoque Villa Sauber, currently hosting the Diaghilev and Ballets Russes exhibition.
This magnificent exhibition brings together 260 artefacts from international private and public collections and is elegantly displayed to advantage. There are paintings, studies, stage set models and sound archives. To capture the audience’s imagination there are incredible costumes, notably the spectacular robes for the Emperor designed by Henri Matisse for the performance of Le Chant de Rossignol in 1920. In contrast, one of the first exhibits is the exquisite ballet shoes of Anna Pavlova.
Serge Diaghilev directed the world famous Ballet Russes from 1909 – 1929 and his productions revolutionized the world of dance. The Ballets Russes first performances at the Chatelet Theatre in Paris were ‘imbued with vitality, grace, originality and virtuosity.’
Throughout his tenure, Diaghilev directed some of undoubtedly the world’s greatest dancers, choreographers, artists and composers including such big names as Nijinsky, Pavlova, Matisse, Picasso, Stravinsky and Satie.
Diaghilev stepped outside the box and into the limelight by his controversial decision to use not only the renowned composers and set painters, but with contemporary composers and artists. I had not realised this and was delighted to see works of Gonchorova, Jean Cocteau and Man Ray. The keynote painting of Diaghilev by Serge Lifar is arresting in its colourful simplicity and hung in such a position that allows the visitor to sit and contemplate the great man.
Diaghilev, best described as a Russian ballet impresario, courted triumph and disaster and seemed ‘to treat the two imposters’ in the same way. Coming from a family of minor Russian aristocrats, he learned music as well as studying law. Whilst at university in St Petersburg he was tutored by Rimsky-Korsakov, but turned his back on a musical career in favour of becoming an art critic and exhibition organiser.
In taking over the directorship of the Ballets Russes in 1909, Diaghilev brought the company to world prominence, he was unceasing in his daring to be different approach.
On reading about Diaghilev and then being privileged to see the stunning exhibition, it reminded me of the French philosopher Diderot’s quote :
“First of all move me, surprise me, rend my heart; make me tremble, weep, shudder; outrage me; delight my eyes afterwards if you can.”
I think Serge Diaghilev always had this at the back of his mind and it comes to the forefront in this exhibition.
‘Etonne-Moi’
Serge Diaghilev & Les Balles Russes
Villa Sauber, Monaco National Musee, Nouveau until 27th September
This exhibition coincides with ‘ Moscow, Splendours of the Romanovs’ at Grimaldi Forum, Monaco.
Tickets and information available from the Grimaldi Forum.
Tel. 377 99 99 3001