Composer

:

Paul von Klenau

Genre

:

Ballet

Style

:

Ballet

Compose Date

:

1916

"Klein Idas Blumen (after H. C. Andersen)" is a ballet composed by Paul von Klenau in 1922. The ballet is based on the fairy tale "The Little Mermaid" by Hans Christian Andersen. The plot revolves around a young mermaid named Idas who falls in love with a human prince. She makes a deal with a sea witch to trade her tail for legs so she can be with the prince. However, the prince falls in love with another woman, and Idas is left heartbroken. In the end, she turns into sea foam and disappears. The ballet is divided into three movements. The first movement is titled "The Sea" and features the mermaids and sea creatures dancing in the underwater world. The second movement is titled "The Land" and features the human characters, including the prince and the woman he falls in love with. The third movement is titled "The Transformation" and features Idas' transformation from a mermaid to a human and back again. The music for "Klein Idas Blumen" is characterized by its lush, romantic melodies and sweeping orchestration. Klenau was heavily influenced by the music of Richard Wagner, and this is evident in the use of leitmotifs throughout the ballet. The score also features a prominent harp part, which adds to the ethereal quality of the music. "Klein Idas Blumen" premiered on May 27, 1922, at the Royal Danish Theatre in Copenhagen. The ballet was choreographed by Harald Lander, who went on to become one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th century. The ballet was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and it remains a beloved work in the ballet repertoire. Overall, "Klein Idas Blumen (after H. C. Andersen)" is a beautiful and haunting ballet that tells a timeless story of love and loss. The music is lush and romantic, and the choreography is both graceful and powerful. It is a testament to the enduring power of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales and the artistry of Paul von Klenau and Harald Lander.

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