Composer

:

Leonard Bernstein

Genre

:

Ballet

Style

:

Ballet

Compose Date

:

1974

First Performance

:

1974

Average_duration

:

47:17

Movement_count

:

10

Movement ....

"Dybbuk" is a ballet composed by Leonard Bernstein in 1974. The plot of the ballet is based on a Jewish folklore tale about a young bride, Leah, who is possessed by the spirit of her dead lover, Channon. The ballet is set in a small Jewish village in Eastern Europe, where Leah is about to marry a wealthy man, Sender. However, on the day of her wedding, Leah is possessed by the spirit of Channon, who died before they could be together. The ballet is divided into three movements. The first movement, "The Possession," depicts Leah's possession by Channon's spirit. The music is haunting and eerie, with dissonant chords and a sense of foreboding. The second movement, "The Exorcism," shows the attempts of the village rabbi and other members of the community to exorcise Channon's spirit from Leah's body. The music is more frenzied and chaotic, with a sense of urgency and desperation. The final movement, "The Reconciliation," shows the resolution of the story. Channon's spirit is finally released from Leah's body, and she is able to marry Sender. The music is more peaceful and harmonious, with a sense of resolution and closure. One of the characteristics of "Dybbuk" is its use of Jewish folk music and themes. Bernstein incorporates traditional Jewish melodies and rhythms into the score, giving the ballet a sense of authenticity and cultural significance. Another characteristic is the use of dissonance and unconventional harmonies, which create a sense of tension and unease throughout the piece. "Dybbuk" premiered on January 27, 1974, at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. The ballet was choreographed by Jerome Robbins, with sets and costumes by Beni Montresor. The premiere was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and the ballet has since become a staple of the modern dance repertoire.

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