In Light and Shadow 2000
Choreographer Krzysztof Pastor
Music - Johann Sebastian Bach
Born in Poland, Krzysztof Pastor danced with the Dutch National Ballet for a decade and cut his dance-making teeth by choreographing for small ballet groups in Europe. He gained international renown with his choreography to Shostakovich’s Chamber Symphony, which he created for DNB in 1992. Recently appointed Resident Choreographer of the Dutch National Ballet, a Company known for its unique repertoire, outstanding artistic and technical achievement, and strikingly individual choreographers, In Light and Shadow is the most evocative work that Pastor has created for them in recent years.
Inspired by a range of Baroque dances and painters including Vermeer, Rembrandt and La Tour the ballet focuses, as the title suggests, on the interplay of light and shadow as über-contemporary lines are juxtaposed with the rich and celebratory music of Bach. Beginning with a delicate, reflective duet to the aria from Bach’s Goldberg Variations, the ballet opens out into a rich tapestry of explosive solos, duets and ensemble work to Bach’s Third Orchestral Suite, described by Pastor himself as a suite of dances inspired by the spirit of the Baroque period, and as detailed as Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Fresco where ornate features contrast with light and shadow.
“Krzysztof Pastor’s finale collage of blithe flirtations and elegant dalliance”
“A dazzling array of witty inventions that celebrate Bach’s musical patternings and élan”
“Baroque courtliness is spiked with a joie-de-vivre.” - The Herald, 5*
“A dynamic confusion that gives the piece a refreshing sense of timelessness.” - Critical Dance
“the stunning interpretation proved Scottish Ballet deserves to be seen on the world’s stage” - The Scotsman, 5*
“speedy, flirtatious dancing” - The Times, 4*
“an appealing, delicate work … with whirring arms and fleet touches, they fly around the stage in ever-changing patterns.” - Daily Telegraph
“the parade of skills and skirts (men too) flying with natural elegance” - Guardian, 4*
“Pastor’s colour-saturated In Light And Shadow. The Bach score is a gift … Pastor’s quick-flowing contemporary style (with women on pointe) allows the different personalities and styles of the company to shine. The dance comes in great waves and ripples, with sculptural balances to still the eye. It is a feel-good finish that shows Scottish Ballet’s every hue.” - Sunday Herald, 5*