Mellowed second season a treat
MARC Goldberg’s imaginative interpretation of the rivalry between Mozart and Salieri has derived added lustre from the participation of international ballet celebrity Maxime Quiroga as Amadeus. Already a notable addition to Cape Town City Ballet’s repertoire when it was first staged in February this year, the work has mellowed as original cast members developed their roles further and adapted to Goldberg’s distinctive, edgy choreography.
With Quiroga’s elegant assurance complementing CTCB’s principal dancers – Daniel Szybkowski (Salieri) and Laura Bosenberg (Constanze) – this second season of Mozart and Salieri is a treat for ballet-lovers.
Although the cutting-edge technology of Pieter Steyn’s projection and animation no longer has the impact of a first viewing, its magic still enhances the ballet’s staging; the same is true of Goldberg’s exquisite costumes for the women.
Minimal props allow maximum space for performance. This is a significant plus given the sense of cosmic vastness when abstract concepts are evoked, for instance as Mozart’s fevered mind is inspired to compose the great Requiem.
Bosenberg’s dainty, bewitching Constanze interacts warmly with Quiroga’s Mozart: they are ideally matched in physique to offer an eyepleasing partnership.
Szybkowski’s Salieri provides a dark foil to the luminous personality of his rival, and this dancer shines particularly in the scene of his renunciation of God, its searing drama and despair captured in his body language.
Some comic relief is brought by Elizabeth Nienaber’s outré portrayal of the Queen of the Night, delicious as ever, and Kirstel Paterson impresses as Luisa, the unwilling instrument of Mozart’s death. Her extended pas de deux with Szybkowski is a highlight of the evening.
Ensemble from the corps is creditable but could be tighter in formal court-dances. They show to best advantage in abstract sequences, such as the muses inspiring Mozart, or the demons that rage through Salieri’s mind. Noteworthy performances here come from Mariette Opperman (Muse) and Claire Spector (Demon Queen).
The current season has a short run due to availability of venue, but no doubt Mozart and Salieri will be back before long to delight those who missed it this time around.