Friday, October 01, 2004
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The Cincinnati Ballet presents "Seventh Symphony"
By
Kendra Leonard
On October 8 and 9, the Cincinnati Ballet will present three works, ranging from the deeply powerful to the light and fun. The program begins with Leonide Massine’s choreography for Ludwig van Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony. A work dubbed by Wagner to be “the apotheosis of dance,” this piece marks the beginning of the composer’s third period, the time of his final break with the conventions of the Classical period and evolution of his Romantic persona. The ballet for this music was created in 1938 by the legendary Russian choreographer Massine for the Ballet Russes de Monte-Carlo, but has not been staged since. These performances mark its American premiere.
“The Seventh Symphony” is written in four movements, and according to Massine, depicts the creation and destruction of the world. In the first movement, the joy of an awakening world and its creatures present their exuberance en masse with technically demanding jumps and spins. In the second movement, the mood is somber as the prone figure of a man is brought onto stage by his mourners, who dance to express their dismay that an idyllic life must end. The scherzo, with its quick rhythms and spirited turns, is the music of the gods, for whom the earth is entertainment, no more than a game. This cavalier attitude spells doom for humans, who in the fourth movement mimic the gods with unseemly behavior and are thus destroyed. The choreography, long lost, is recreated here with care and attention, and should draw dance aficionados from all over to the Queen City.
In “Chasing Squirrel,” commissioned for the Vail International Dance Festival, choreographer Trey McIntyre examines the complex relationships between men and women in Latino culture. Women are often said to rule the roost, but men’s sense of machismo can conflict with their mates’ strong wills. In describing the dance, McIntyre cites having watched a dog on a leash try to chase a squirrel up a tree. Having escaped from the dog, the squirrel proceeded to chase another squirrel in patterns that reminded the young dancer of ballet, albeit very athletic and fast-moving ballet. He found the perfect piece of music on the fearless and pioneering Kronos Quartet’s new album of Latin American music, Nuevo, and the work was done. A fun piece, “Chasing Squirrel” is sure to delight audiences.
The final work on the program features familiar music but presents a new dance. Taking the rousing and robust music of Reinhold Gliere’s The Red Poppy, choreographer Devon Carney has created not yet another Russian Sailor’s Dance but a new and energetic work for the men of the company. Premiered last year at a collaborative concert between the Ballet and the Pops, “U Too?” is a flashy and impressive piece designed to finish off the evening’s performance with a show of bravura.
With its serious but beautiful first half, and a fun and exciting second half, these early season performances should set the tone for a good year at the ballet, which promises further impressive programs and artistic and creative stretching by its dancers and staff throughout the season. As the Ballet improves steadily under the direction of Victoria Morgan and as its members gain experience, confidence, and increased knowledge about the repertoire and the possibilities of new works, it grows ever more popular in the Cincinnati community and gains recognition in the dance world. Already in the spotlight for the Massine, the Ballet’s goal this year should be to surpass expectations and move into a role as a mature company.
Arnold's Bar & Grill
Downtown
Cincinnati's oldest bar is also one of its favorites. Blue collar, white collar, and no collar all mix with ease in this 1861 saloon. The barkeeps are friendly, and the atmosphere just right--somewhere between jolly and a din. The cuisine is Italian homestyle, so tuck your napkin in your shirt and dig in. The antique bar fixtures will help transport you back in time, and the casual fun will make it a trip to repeat.
Avril & Bleh Meat Market
Downtown
In business since 1894, this friendly Cincinnati butcher makes authentic bockwurst and can serve up whatever cuts you need.
Barleycorn's
Downtown
Casual eatery featuring all-American fare.
Bassano’s
Downtown
Family-friendly Italian restaurant serving traditional pastas, soups, and salads. A children's menu is also available.
Bella
Downtown
International flavors spice up carefully prepared American cuisine. The chicken and seafood dishes are good, and the homemade desserts even better.
Big Easy Cajun
Downtown
This chain restaurant offers seafood and chicken dishes served New Orleans-style, with plenty of pepper and spice.
Campanello's
Downtown
Southern Italian dishes served in a restaurant that makes you feel as welcome as family. Chow down on classic pastas and meat dishes accompanied by salad or soup, and the wine and fun will flow. It's as if you were eating at Cousin Paulie's place after hours, though you still might spot a local celeb or sports star carbo-packing for the next big game.
Carol's on Main
Downtown
A perfect place for lunch or dinner downtown, Carol's serves fresh salads, full entrees, and good sandwiches and wraps. The "Noodle-Do" Asian salad is a terrific cool lunch in the summer, and on cold days, there's always soup on the stove.
First Watch
Downtown
First Watch is a local chain specializing in breakfast with an emphasis on excellent egg dishes. Crepes and pancakes take second place, but are almost as good as the omelettes and over-easys.
Hamburger Mary's
Downtown
Burgers and sandwiches served in a great campy atmosphere with friendly wait staff and party nights that cater to Cincinnati's GLBT crowd. Famous for Bloody Marys and Margaritas. Offers a daily happy hour.
Hathaway's
Downtown
Hathaway's is an old-fashioned, down-home diner right in the center of town. Get there early for goetta and eggs or stop by for a lunch of burgers and fries. Be sure to finish it all up with classic apple pie a la mode.
Javier's Mexican Restaurant
Downtown
This bustling lunch-only restaurant offers traditional and creative Mexican dishes. Be sure to try the chicken with mole sauce or chilaquiles. There are plenty of vegetarian options as well.
Jean-Robert at Pigall’s
Downtown, Downtown
One of Cincinnati's most elegant and inspired eating establishments. Dress your best and make reservations well in advance to sample the seafood ravioli, escargots, guinea hen, duck, and a variety of amuse-bouches. There are prix menus starting at $75.00
JeanRo Bistro
Downtown
Classic French bistro cuisine from Chef Jean-Robert de Cavel, who also operates Jean-Robert at Pigall's. Rich dishes featuring game, cold summer soups, and lovely desserts make this the perfect place for a special lunch--or even just because.
Jeff Ruby's
Downtown
Deco decor and massive steaks, along with seafood and salads for the less carnivorous.
Ko-Sho Japanese Restaurant
Downtown
Sushi and traditional Japanese cuisine in downtown Cincinnati not far from either the Riverfront or the Main Street bar district.
La Normandie - CLOSED
Downtown
Steaks, salads, fish and more, done up right. This more-casual sister of The Maisonette (they share a kitchen) offers up familiar dishes prepared with flair.
LeBoxx Cafe
Downtown
Located right across the street from the Main Library in downtown Cincinnati, LeBoxx is a cheerful eat-in and take-away sandwich shop and restaurant with options for vegetarians and carnivores alike. Catering and delivery available, both on small scales and large.
Manna Vegetarian Deli
Downtown
Healthy vegetarian offerings for city workers on the go. The wraps are filling and sandwiches stuffed with tofu, tempeh, and other tasty options.
Mejana's
Downtown
Middle Eastern cuisine with an emphasis on the wonderful tastes and textures of Lebanon. Vegetarian non-veg options available, including lamb ribs, seafood, and traditional falafels and kebabs.
Montgomery Inn
Downtown
A long-time Cincinnati landmark, the Montgomery Inn restaurants offer slow-roasted ribs drenched in a sweet barbecue sauce.
Mullane's Parkside Cafe
Downtown
In the heart of Porkopolis, a breath of (mostly) vegetarian air. Conviently located right next door to the Cincinnati Shakespeare Festival, Mullane's serves up rice dishes, pastas, and more for the vegetarian in each of us.
My Three Chefs
Downtown
Longworth Hall used to be a freight depot; today it is home to My Three Chefs, a casual restaurant offering a wide variety of dishes ranging from salads to fish to steaks to homestyle desserts. An unusual venue for eating out, My Three Chefs offers good food in a interesting and historic building--perfect for taking out-of-town visitors to the Queen City.
Nicholson's Tavern and Pub
Downtown
Contemporary dishes prepared with a Scottish flair and accompanied by a wonderfully long list of available libations from Islay malts to Highland beers and songs to sing while you drink them.
Palace Restaurant
Downtown
Elegant French cuisine served with attention to detail and creative elements, using seasonal ingredients and couture-style presentations.
Palomino
Downtown
American cuisine featuring wood-fired pizzas. A popular after-work spot for downtown workers.
Patoshnik's
Downtown
Soups, salads, sandwiches, and wraps to go or eat in.
Pizzeria Uno
Downtown
It may be a chain, but Pizzeria Uno does offer up huge pizzas and pasta dishes just right for sharing with a bunch of friends before or after a night on the town.
Queen of Sheba
Downtown
Wonderful Ethiopean cuisine including sampler platters that introduce diners to the tastes of the country with style. There are plenty of vegetarian options, as well as meaty stews.
Redfish Looziana Roadhouse
Downtown
Blackened redfish, jambalaya, and other foods from the Mississipi delta await you at this casual seafood-and-steak chain.
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
Downtown, Downtown
More microbrews than you can shake a stick at, and a varied menu featuring everything from Asian-inspired dishes to old fashioned meat and potatoes. A great place for a work lunch or dinner, with big booths and room to spread out.
Scotti's Italian Restaurant
Downtown
You'll think you've arrived in Rome at Scotti's, a family-run, traditional Italian bistro serving veal, steak, and of course pasta.
Shanghai Mama's
Downtown
Reminiscent of a sleek 1920s style noodle bar, Shanghai Mama's (run by the owners of Pacific Moon) serves up noodle bowls, salads, and dim-sum style appetizers just right for pre-show or post-party dining.
The Grille at the Palm Court
Downtown
A casual, clubby atmosphere with steaks, burgers, and other forms of meaty entrees, along with nice salads and veggies for the non-carnivores in your party.
The Maisonette - CLOSED
Downtown
Truly the best dining Cincinnati has to offer, The Maisonette has maintained its five-star status for decades. There are several prix fixe menus available, including the very reasonable 3-course lunch menu for $33.
The Phoenix
Downtown
A classic steakhouse offering up choice cuts, accompanied by potatoes, salads, and rich soups. For those seeking something lighter, halibut and salmon are always on the menu.
Total Juice Plus
Downtown
Wonderfully nourishing smoothies of all varieties and inventive wraps await you at this downtown eatery.
Kendra Leonard is an arts historian based in the Cincinnati area.
