Stravinsky - Persephone

Watch Stravinsky - Persephone

  • 2012
  • 58 min

Stravinsky - Persephone is a captivating cinematic performance of Stravinsky's revolutionary ballet-opera. With music composed by Igor Stravinsky and choreography by Pina Bausch, the film features a breathtaking musical presentation alongside an immersive visual experience. The story is based on the Greek myth of Persephone, the daughter of Zeus and Demeter, who is abducted by Hades, the god of the underworld. The performance centers on the tragic journey of Persephone as she descends into the underworld and then emerges in spring, symbolizing the rebirth of nature. The original Greek myth served as the basis for the performance, but the story has been reimagined into a more abstract form.

The film is a production of the two of the most talented urban film directors, Jon Brown and Nick Wickham, as they used cameras in the most creative way possible. The camera work in the film is superb and elegantly captures the essence of the performance. The use of multiple cameras creates surreal and dynamic perspectives which enhance the viewers' experience.

Dominique Blanc enchantingly portrays Persephone with raw emotions and brilliant acting skills. Her performance is incredibly emotive, especially when coupled with the broader themes of the production. Blanc embodies the sorrow and pain of the goddess as she is taken from the earth, the incredible loneliness she experiences in the underworld and the incomparable joy she feels upon her return to the world of the living.

The music certainly has a unique character, created by the prominent Russian composer, Stravinsky. The music is marked by lively and dynamic expressive elements, which have made it one of the most memorable works of its time. Performances of Persephone are notable for its use of choral singing, percussion, and the orchestra. Stravinsky's composition is so powerful that it is capable of evoking different emotional experiences from its audience. His music is at times loud and tumultuous reflecting the chaos of the underworld, and at times, it is serene and melodic reflecting the beauty of the earth.

The set design and the costume could have drawn Inspiration from the works of ancient Greek artists. The set, for example, has a variety of lighting effects that elicit various moods in different scenes, with gray and black hues dominating the setting. The costumes are intricately designed and visually striking, with some characters sporting flamboyant and extravagant costumes in stark contrast to others who are seen in more minimalistic designs.

The key to the success of Stravinsky - Persephone is its seamless integration of all the elements that constitute the production. The choreography of Pina Bausch enhances the music, while the costume design, sets and the lighting design create an evocative environment that complements the narrative.

Overall, Stravinsky - Persephone is a masterpiece of its art, and its artistic and musical creativity surpasses many other productions of its time. The film genuinely captures the magic and essence of the original myth, rekindles its old messages with new implications, and delivers a stunning cinematic experience that engages viewers' minds and hearts alike. It is a must-watch for anyone looking for an experience that puts their artistic and cultural curiosity to the test.

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Description
  • Release Date
    2012
  • Runtime
    58 min