Mysterious and sensual, Christopher Hampson’s Saltarello reveals a sharp, 21st century originality in classical technique.
The inspiration for the work comes from Giovanni Boccaccio’s masterpiece, Decameron. Written around 1350, it tells the story of a group of young nobles who withdraw from plague-ravaged Florence to a hideaway outside the city. Free from their community’s scrutiny and fired by the verve and pace of the music, they entertain themselves with bravura displays of dancing.
This work is set to music of the same era – a time when the saltarello, a spirited dance of energetic movements and jumps, was incredibly popular.
Dressed in slinky silver and black, the dancers shift mood and pace, from courtly elegance to explosive energy in a heartbeat.
The Royal New Zealand Ballet last performed Saltarello in 2004.
Music: On the Way to Bethlehem (8.553132)
Performed by Ensemble Oni Wytars and Ensemble Unicorn
Chominciamento di gioia (8.553131)
Performed by Ensemble Unicorn, Vienna
Recordings courtesy of Naxos
All Lighting Design: Nigel Percy
