Martin Schlapfer - 4; Hans van Manen - Live

“4 / Live” is a dialogue between two outstanding ballets, the world premiere of 4 by Martin Schläpfer and Hans van Manen’s icon of dance history Live. The new director of the Vienna State Ballet Martin Schläpfer not only presents his first own programme at the Vienna State Opera with the premiere “4 / Live” but also introduce himself as choreographer with his world premiere 4 to Gustav Mahler’s Fourth Symphony. The result is a great ballet for the entire ensemble, which is preceded by an icon of dance history at the opening of the evening, with Hans van Manen’s Live. Hans van Manen’s Live is the first video ballet in dance history and a masterful puzzle game with the mechanisms of perception. First performed in Amsterdam in 1979, Live has so far been danced exclusively by Het Nationale Ballett. With this new production in Vienna, Hans van Manen entrusts his work to another company for the first time.

“The ballet evening Mahler [4], live at the Vienna State Opera is already writing dance history” – Kurier

“A sensational start. The Viennese have undoubtedly drawn a lucky draw.” – Süddeutsche Zeitung

Recording date: Vienna State Opera House, December 2020