Composer

:

Ernst von Dohnányi

Genre

:

Ballet

Style

:

Ballet

Compose Date

:

1908 - Apr 27, 1909

Publication Date

:

1909

First Performance

:

Jan 22, 1910

The Veil of Pierrette is a ballet composed by Ernst von Dohnányi in 1920. The plot revolves around Pierrette, a young girl who is in love with a man named Harlequin. However, Harlequin is in love with Columbine, Pierrette's best friend. Pierrette is heartbroken and decides to take her own life. She is visited by the spirit of Death, who offers her a chance to live again if she can make Harlequin fall in love with her instead of Columbine. Pierrette accepts the offer and is transformed into a beautiful woman. She succeeds in winning Harlequin's heart, but in the end, she realizes that true love cannot be forced and decides to sacrifice her newfound beauty and life to save Harlequin and Columbine from Death. The ballet premiered on December 17, 1920, at the Budapest Opera House. It consists of three movements: Prelude, Intermezzo, and Finale. The music is characterized by its lush orchestration, romantic melodies, and dramatic contrasts. The Prelude sets the stage for the story with its haunting and mysterious theme. The Intermezzo features a lively dance between Harlequin and Columbine, while Pierrette watches from the sidelines. The Finale is the most dramatic part of the ballet, with Pierrette's sacrifice and the final confrontation with Death. The Veil of Pierrette is known for its beautiful choreography, which was created by László Seregi. The ballet features elaborate costumes and sets, which help to create a dreamlike atmosphere. The story is a classic tale of unrequited love and the power of sacrifice, which resonates with audiences to this day. The music is a testament to Dohnányi's skill as a composer, and the ballet remains one of his most popular works.

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