Ballets

In the midst of a ball, a Young Man seeks out a Lady accompanied by an Astrologer and begs her to remove her mask; she complies, and to his horror reveals the face of an old woman. He then flees, she pursues him, and he hides. After the ball the Young Man is alone in the ballroom. The Lady returns with the Astrologer, unmasks, but then pulls off her face, which is only a second mask, and is revealed as a young and beautiful woman. The Astrologer, also unmasks and appears a handsome youth. He embraces the Lady and they depart, as the Young Man falls swooning.

Vittorio Rieti (1898-1994) was educated in Milan and Rome. He composed the music for the ballets Barabau and Le Bal for Diaghilev's Ballets Russes, both choreographed by Balanchine. He also composed operas and orchestral and other instrumental works in the neoclassical style. He came to the United States in 1940 and collaborated with Balanchine on a number of ballets, including Waltz Academy for Ballet Theatre, Night Shadow for Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, The Triumph of Bacchus and Ariadne for Ballet Society, and Native Dancers for New York City Ballet.

For more information concerning Le Bal, please contact the Trust directly.

Repertory notes provided courtesy of and adapted from New York City Ballet Online Repertory Index. Additional sources: Choreography by George Balanchine: A Catalogue of Works , An Eakins Press Foundation Book, published by Viking (1984); and Repertory in Review: 40 Years of the New York City Ballet by Nancy Reynolds (1970; The Dial Press).

Photo credit: photo unavailable

Music: Le Bal

Composer: Rieti, Vittorio

Premiere: May 7, 1929, Diaghilev's Ballet Russes, Opera de Monte-Carlo

Average Ballet Length: 0 mins

Number of Dancers: 39

Costumes: Yes

Scenery: Yes