Chichester Psalms, to Music by Leonard Bernstein, 2004
It's a privilege to write about "Chichester Psalms," a ballet that is truly unlike any other. It's not just a performance, it's a spiritual journey, an intimate glimpse into the depths of the human soul, set to Leonard Bernstein's soaring, awe-inspiring music. To call it a "ballet" feels reductive, for this is something that transcends genre, drawing on the traditions of classical dance, theatre, and music to create a truly unique experience.
The work's conception is both simple and profound. The dancers, dressed in austere white costumes that mirror the simplicity of the Biblical texts that the music reflects, become vessels for emotion. No plot or narrative exists, instead, we witness a dance of faith, doubt, and the search for meaning.
Bernstein's music is, of course, the foundation of the entire piece. He is a composer of incredible depth and passion, his works bursting with life, sorrow, and profound emotion. "Chichester Psalms," inspired by the Book of Psalms, reflects his deep love of humanity and his fervent faith. The piece is structured as a series of distinct movements, each reflecting a different aspect of the human condition.
The Dance
The choreography is remarkable for its subtlety and expressiveness. It doesn't rely on extravagant acrobatics or flashy displays of virtuosity, but instead uses a restrained vocabulary to convey the weight and gravity of the music.
In the quieter moments, the dancers' movements are delicate and contemplative, their arms flowing with the elegance of prayer. During the more dramatic sections, their movements become sharper, bolder, echoing the intensity of the music.
One particular standout moment is the passage where a group of dancers, kneeling on stage, move with barely perceptible gestures. Their silent devotion is palpable, their bodies radiating a quiet intensity that drew my attention to the intricacies of their every movement.
I must note that while the work focuses heavily on the group's performance, it offers individual dancers their chance to shine. During a climactic moment, a solo dancer, arms outstretched towards the heavens, performs a heart-wrenching lament that expresses the profound tragedy and hope of humanity. Her movements are precise, eloquent, yet filled with such raw, unbridled emotion. The way she held herself, both fragile and resolute, filled the space with a power that left the audience completely captivated.
The Dancers
I don't often dwell on specific dancers in my reviews, I feel the work itself should be the focus. But in the case of "Chichester Psalms," I can't help but remark on the artistry and the commitment of the company as a whole. There's a palpable synergy among them, an understanding that goes beyond simple collaboration and steps into a genuine shared communion. It is this synergy that gives "Chichester Psalms" such power, for it is in their united dance, in the flow of their collective movement that the story truly unfolds.
Their faces, though largely hidden behind the blinding spotlights, are alight with expression, mirroring the music and reflecting the depth of the choreography. There is no forced emotion or theatrical gesticulation. Their movements are authentic, borne out of an understanding that surpasses mere dance technique and dives deep into the essence of the work.
The Music
"Chichester Psalms," as mentioned before, stands firmly upon Bernstein's music. While it is his unique style that lends the work its identity, the music is never just a backdrop. It's not just beautiful; it's integral to the dance, forming a dialogue, a conversation between movement and sound.
I found myself swept away by Bernstein's genius, both in its complexity and its accessibility. His musical tapestry weaves together threads of classical form and traditional Jewish melodies, creating a composition that is both sophisticated and deeply personal. The soaring choral passages, performed by a live choir, lent an undeniable grandeur and emotionality to the piece. It is almost as if the music itself were weeping and celebrating at the same time, mirroring the cyclical nature of the human spirit.
In Conclusion
"Chichester Psalms" isn't a performance to be simply observed; it is one to be experienced. This work doesn't merely tell a story, but rather it allows the audience to be drawn into a world of emotion and faith, a world where the simple language of movement, combined with Bernstein's deeply resonant music, speaks directly to the soul.
It is a ballet that transcends the boundaries of conventional dance and allows us to feel something far deeper and more profound than simple entertainment.
If you are looking for a performance that will challenge you, move you, and leave you with an enduring impression, then "Chichester Psalms" is a must-see.