I saw this ballet on BBC 4 broadcast one year at the New Year's Eve. It was an unforgettable experience. This must be one of Bussell's farewell concerts. I remembered she had a standing ovation that lasted for several minutes. It's such a great pity that this has never been released on DVD. One of the best ballets choreographed by Kenneth MacMillan. Who would have thought that Mahler's music can be a perfect companion to a ballet? I've always wondered who sang the soprano and the tenor parts in these Mahler' songs.
This WAS Darcey’s last appearance, partnered by Carlos Acosta in black and Gary Avis in grey. It has to be one of the most staggeringly beautiful; utterly mesmerising and unutterably sad things I’ve ever seen. Thank you so much for posting this.
One of Darcey Bussell's last performances with the Royal Ballet, if not the last. I do think that Song of the Earth is one of the finest of Sir Kenneth MacMillan's many balletic achievements. It's hard to imagine that one could add anything to such a glorious piece of music but I do believe that MacMillan has pulled it off. The music is more moving when I am watching the dancers do their stuff, particularly at the end when I never fail to come out in goosebumps. Part of me would like to think that Mahler may have enjoyed this ballet.
Have spent years searching for a recording of the whole thing - it WAS her farewell performance. I was recording it from the television, but the DVD would not take the whole broadcast, which included much detail about her dancing life before the performance of Song of the Earth (it was long). Part of me also agrees with you that Macmillan might have pleased Mahler with this. I would love to see the whole thing again. Can only think that she asked not to have it recorded.
