For anyone who wants to join in, simply choose five pieces of music and post them for other bloggers to enjoy. Then check out the set posted by the other 5 on Friday blogger -- you can sign in over at Golch Central's Rambling Stuff.
It's anniversary time again -- our 22nd anniversary, to be exact.
This week's set is dedicated to all you lovers out there.
1 - Some Enchanted Evening -- Placido Domingo
2 - The Man I Love -- Billie Holiday
3 - So Nice -- Sergio Mendes and Brasil 65 featuring Wanda Sa
I'm celebrating my Third Blogiversary here at A Piece of My Mind today.
Find a seat and settle in - I've got Broadway's best to set the mood and bring us all to my favorite place in the world. The house lights go dark. The pit band strikes up and the curtain rises.
Yes, Radio City Music Hall is on my Bucket List. Can't wait till I walk into that amazing theatre with my own two feet.
The house lights have gone back down from a quarter to dark. The curtains slide open. *whispers* Ooo, here she comes! Here she comes!
Princess Aurora from the Sleeping Beauty ballet, arriving at her debut ball to perform the Rose Adagio. This is such an amazing piece of dance. The role of Princess Aurora demonstrates the full range of the female dancer's technique: quick footwork, lyricism, solo presence, partnering, flexibility and solid balance. It announces both a character and a dancer capable of seizing their true potential. It's performed here by French superstar Sylvie Guillem.
(The music is quite low. You might want to turn it up.)
Sigh. *wiping tears of joy at such perfection*
I can hardly collect myself before the curtains open upon a scene from my favorite Puccini opera, Tosca. Placido Domingo, my favorite tenor, sings Recondita Armonia as he compares the woman he loves to the model he paints.
The translation from Italian into English appears as subtitles.
(Don't forget to turn down your volume!)
'Art, in its mystery, blends different beauties.' - oh, I love that.
Rob McCall was born here in Halifax, Nova Scotia and grew up in my own hometown of Dartmouth (which is across the bridge from Halifax.) When future hockey phenomenon and Cole Harbour son Sidney Crosby was a mere 6 months old, Rob McCall was taking home a bronze medal from the Calgary Winter Olympics.
Here are Tracy Wilson and Rob McCall with their bronze medal-winning free dance, Elite Syncopations.
Oh, I loved that little skipping thing he did toward the end! (4:40 mark) And the shuffle-off-to-Buffalo. (4:29 mark) How on earth...?
Just love that ragtime music, especially the slow one that starts at the 2:14 mark.
No wonder I turned out the way I did. Explains everything, really.
It's amazing to find myself at my Third Blogiversary, heading into my fourth year of blogging. Thank you - all of you - for your friendship, your comments, and the joy you bring me.
As my parting gift, here is Gerry Butler on the dance floor from The Ugly Truth. Enjoy!
Janet says I knew I had found a kindred spirit. 'Ni, Ping' to you, Julia.
Wylie Kinson says Happy Blogiversary, Julia! I enjoyed the McCall-Wilson routine.
Akelamalu says Happy Blogversary Julia! You reminded me it's almost mine too! :)
Once again I was privileged to attend the ballet on Saturday. This was the Cuban National Ballet's version of Don Quixote, performed while on tour in Paris, France at the Palais Garnier. The story actually follows the romance of Kitri and Basilio, young lovers in a town where the wandering knight Don Quixote takes shelter. Because Quixote is always in search of Dulcinea, his ideal of romantic love, he helps the young lovers when their plans to wed seem beyond reach.
Here is a compilation clip of highlights from the same production of Don Quixote I saw by the Cuban National Ballet.
Below is the Act III Pas de Deux from Don Quixote, showcasing the astounding Viengsay Valdes as Kitri. That's Valdes at the top of the post in the red dress executing a flawless grande sissonne that I've never seen anyone do better. Her balances were truly awesome, and her pirouettes were steady as a rock and could have gone on forever. Best of all, her acting was perfect for Kitri, who is supposed to be saucy and full of life. Often, she's danced by reserved ballerinas who couldn't imply 'saucy' if their lives depended on it. Viengsay Valdes exuded sultry energy and the ability to join steps so that the choreography sang as I have rarely experienced.
Photo by Francesc Casals
Basilio was danced by Romel Frometa. He had very natural comic timing, which is important for this role. His jumps were explosive with really impressive height, and his partnering was magnificent, especially during Valdes' incredible balances. The overhead throw of Valdes as she did a split jump, where he then caught her into a swan dive at the end of the pas de deux was a total jaw-dropper for me. Don't try that one at home, kids!
The Don Quixote pas de deux is often performed on its own in mixed programs and galas, because of its bravura choreography.
For Poetry Monday, I've included the lyrics to Dulcinea from Man of La Mancha, based upon Don Quixote.
Dulcinea
Did my lady think to put me to a test? Ah, sweet sovereign of my captive heart. I shall not fail thee, for I know...
I have dreamed thee too long, Never seen thee or touched thee. But known thee with all of my heart. Half a prayer, half a song, Thou hast always been with me, Though we have been always apart.
Dulcinea... Dulcinea... I see heaven when I see thee, Dulcinea, And thy name is like a prayer An angel whispers... Dulcinea... Dulcinea!
If I reach out to thee, Do not tremble and shrink From the touch of my hand on thy hair. Let my fingers but see Thou art warm and alive, And no phantom to fade in the air.
Dulcinea... Dulcinea... I have sought thee, sung thee, Dreamed thee, Dulcinea!
Now I've found thee, And the world shall know thy glory, Dulcinea... Dulcinea!
- lyrics by Joe Darion - 1964 (music by Mitch Leigh)
This is Dulcinea sung by Placido Domingo, a huge favorite of mine.
Champion of the Arts - I write historical and paranormal fiction, as well as poetry. I love to showcase creative works by artists of all stripes. Blogging from Nova Scotia, Canada
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