Editor’s note: Arachnophonia is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.
All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.
Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student worker Madeline (class of 2019) and features Léo Delibes’ comic ballet Coppélia. Thanks, Madeline!
Coppélia is a comic ballet about a woman who rescues her fiancé after he foolishly falls for a mad scientist’s life-like doll. Though the titular character, the true heroine of the ballet is not Coppélia but a village girl named Swanhilda. Unlike the well-known masterpieces Giselle or Swan Lake, the plot of Coppélia spares the audience a tragic romantic ending. As with most ballets, it has the typical elements of grace and technical beauty, however it also includes some unorthodox and interesting character reactions. Far from the docile fairytale princesses, Swanhilda pulls pranks others and (in this production) actually raises her fists to Coppélia when she thinks she’s being snubbed. It has a similar outlandishness to Don Quixote with the happily-ever-after of Sleeping Beauty. Much like Sleeping Beauty, the entire final act is the celebrated wedding between Swanhilda and her gullible fiancé Franz. It includes synchronized acts by the corps de ballet, flirtatious pas de deux of the main couple and other villagers, and two variations meant to showcase the artistic talents and athletic abilities of the heroine and hero.
This copy is the BBC recording of the 2000 Royal Opera House performance in London. The chorographer (Dame) Ninette de Valois, is considered one of Britain’s most influential figures of ballet, and founder of the Birmingham Royal Ballet. She has been referred to as the ‘godmother’ of English and Irish 20th century ballet. Ballets and operas are best seen live, as the sound carries better in the concert hall, and nothing can trump the excitement of seeing the performers in person. However, this film contains good auditory depth when played with a surround sound system. The two advantages of having a recorded copy is being able to rewind to your favorite parts and having a full view of the stage, except when the camera focuses on the duets and soloists. If you are a fan of ballet but (like me) hate sad endings, Coppélia has a funny storyline and talented cast of dancers and musicians.