To put ballet into words is a difficult task. It is magnificent, graceful, and awe-inspiring, but it is also so much more. It can make someone feel what words cannot describe and leave them truly astonished.
The Boston Opera House hosted the Boston Ballet’s performance of the Third Symphony of Gustav Mahler for their opening night performance.
The show was split up into six movements. Each had its own story to tell, along with accompanying costumes, stage setup, and focal points.
The men of the ballet performed the first movement titled “Yesterday.” The incorporation of suspense and grace left the audience at the edge of their seats. It really set up the ambience for the rest of the show.
As the show progressed, it was assumed that the second and third movement went together. For the second movement, “Summer,” the stage was pleasantly flooded with ballerinas in lime-yellow dresses. For “Autumn,” the men and women were dressed in a deep red, usually associated with the aforementioned season.
The design aspect of the show really made it worthwhile. Without the small details like colors of dresses or background light, the show would not have been as successful as it was.
By the fourth movement, the audience was engrossed in the story. The central theme of love and passion emerged, making the ballet even more enticing. The journey was filled with suspense, hope, anger, mischief, and affection.
When the show ended, much of the audience was left heartbroken. After being captivated by the adventure for nearly two hours, the ending of the show created quite the impact. They are left with a sense of loss as they see the central figure experience an “intense but fleeting relationship,” directly quoted from the playbill synopsis.
After reflecting on the synopsis, viewers could interpret from the performance that there is never a right time for love or friendship. Relationships end and begin spontaneously. However, that does not mean that the pursuit of love and fulfillment ends. It just means that now is not right but later might be.
Overall, the show was genius. With the right amount of emotions, The Third Symphony of Gustav Mahler has the stuff to impress the audience. Following the story of the central figure was a beautiful but torturing experience.
This piece is highly recommended. John Neumeier did a wonderful job of putting the show together.