07.11.2024

CHRISTIANE KARG in John Neumeier’s “Epilogue” at the Hamburg State Ballet & Opera

Last month saw soprano Christiane Karg’s perform Strauss’ Vier letzte Lieder at the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels with the Belgian National Orchestra and Antony Hermus, an experience described as “entrancing” that went beyond technical mastery and ease. Now in the framework of John Neumeier’s farewell piece for the Hamburg Ballet, she brings the appropriately named Lieder into a more intimate setting with piano, forming part of a broader work.

With his work “Epilogue” John Neumeier has created an intimate, chamber music-like work with piano and singing on stage. It is a rather abstract ballet of quiet tones and subtle movements that leaves room for personal associations. The music of Franz Schubert, Richard Strauss and Simon & Garfunkel inspires the choreography that John Neumeier develops with the dancers of his ensemble. Projections of Renaissance paintings and dance numbers show the genesis of an artist.

Christiane Karg, soprano
Michal Bialk, piano

Music: Franz Schubert, Richard Strauss, Simon & Garfunkel
Choreography, stage design and lighting: John Neumeier
Costumes: Albert Kriemler - A-K-R-I-S-
Films: Kiran West