Composer

:

Herbert Baumann

Genre

:

Ballet

Style

:

Ballet

Average_duration

:

57:36

'Rumpelstilzchen' is a ballet composed by Herbert Baumann in 1978. The ballet is based on the German fairy tale of the same name, which tells the story of a miller's daughter who is forced to spin straw into gold for the king. She makes a deal with a mysterious little man named Rumpelstilzchen, who helps her in exchange for her first-born child. The ballet follows the story closely, with the addition of several new characters and plot twists. The ballet premiered on October 28, 1978, at the Deutsche Oper Berlin. It was choreographed by Baumann himself, with sets and costumes designed by Jürgen Rose. The music was composed by Johann Strauss II, arranged by Baumann, and performed by the Deutsche Oper Berlin Orchestra. The ballet is divided into three movements. The first movement introduces the characters and sets up the story. The miller's daughter, played by the lead ballerina, is introduced as a kind and innocent young woman. The king, played by the lead male dancer, is portrayed as a powerful and arrogant ruler. Rumpelstilzchen, played by a character dancer, is depicted as a mischievous and cunning little man. The second movement focuses on the miller's daughter's deal with Rumpelstilzchen. The little man helps her spin straw into gold, but demands her first-born child in return. The miller's daughter is torn between her love for her child and her fear of Rumpelstilzchen. The third movement brings the story to its dramatic conclusion. The miller's daughter tries to trick Rumpelstilzchen into revealing his name, which will break the spell and free her from her deal. The little man dances a frenzied solo, trying to keep his name a secret. In the end, the miller's daughter discovers his name and Rumpelstilzchen disappears in a puff of smoke. Baumann's choreography is characterized by its fluidity and grace. The ballet features several pas de deux between the miller's daughter and the king, as well as a lively dance for Rumpelstilzchen and his goblin minions. The sets and costumes are elaborate and colorful, with a fairy tale-like quality that adds to the whimsy of the story. Overall, 'Rumpelstilzchen' is a charming and entertaining ballet that brings a classic fairy tale to life through music and dance.

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