George Balanchine Catalogue

View Record

Search the Catalogue
Introduction to the Database

Preface by Lincoln Kirstein
Background

Chronology: Life and Works
Roles Performed By Balanchine

Chronological Title List
Titles By Category

Festivals Directed By Balanchine
Bibliography
Filmography
Videography

Itineraries Undertaken by
Balanchine's American
Companies

Research Resources
Credits
Acknowledgments

Contact Us: information@balanchine.org

135. LES SONGES

Music: By Darius Milhaud (1933, commissioned by Boris Kochno). Book by André Derain.

Choreography: By George Balanchine.

Production: Scenery and costumes by André Derain.

Premiere: June 7, 1933, Les Ballets 1933, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Paris. Conductor: Maurice Abravanel.

Cast: The Ballerina, Tamara Toumanova; 1. POLKA: Kyra Blank, Karl Scheibe; 2. MONSTRE (ACROBAT): Roman Jasinsky; 3. THE KNAVES: Ludovic Matlinsky, Serge Ismailoff; 4. THE CORYPHÉES: 5 women; 5. HIGH-LIFE AND THE DEMI-MONDE: Jasinsky, Lucienne Kylberg; 6. FINALE: Entire cast.

Note: Exhausted after a triumphant performance, the ballerina falls asleep and is assailed by nightmares and visions. The fragrance of flowers brings an intimation of loveliness; she awakens reassured to find herself in her own room.