The Four Seasons 2000 (released 2001)
Distributed by Bullfrog Films, PO Box 149, Oley, PA 19547; 800-543-FROG (3764)
Produced by Rhombus Media/Veronica Tennant Productions
Director n/a
VHS, color, 48 min.
Adult
Dance
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Bonnie Jo Dopp, Performing Arts Library, University of MarylandVivaldi’s The Four Seasons is a kind of violin concerto, and here Pinchas Zuckerman is heard playing solo violin and conducting members of the Canadian National Arts Centre Orchestra. The on screen stars are Principal Dancer Rex Harrington and others from the National Ballet of Canada performing in a ballet choreographed by James Kudelka, with film special effects added as “scenery” (which otherwise is provided only by lighting). Each season presents a different main partner for Harrington, whose handsome grace is exploited well here. Youthful “Spring,” maturing “Summer” and “Autumn” lead to the old-age-and-death of “Winter”: the ideas are not deep here, but the moves are fluid, taught and crisp, as the season dictates. Director Barbara Willis Sweete also directed the outstanding “Falling Down Stairs” segment of Yo-Yo Ma’s series Inspired by Bach, which featured the Mark Morris Dance Group. The Four Seasons won the Chris Award from the Columbus International Film and Video Festival. Recommended for ballet collections.