Tag Archive Thom Willems

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One Flat Thing, reproduced at Pacific Northwest Ballet

Pacific Northwest Ballet company dancers in William Forsythe’s One Flat Thing, reproduced, which PNB is presenting as part of DIRECTOR’S CHOICE, March 16 – 25, 2018. Photo © Angela Sterling.

Pacific Northwest Ballet dancers in William Forsythe’s One Flat Thing, reproduced, 2018. Photo © Angela Sterling.

The Director’s Choice program at Pacific Northwest Ballet this year comprised four outstanding ballets. But let’s face it, the one everybody wants to talk about is William Forsythe’s “One Flat Thing, reproduced.” It’s one of the most divisive ballets ever performed at this company (spoiler alert: I love it). Some people question whether it is even ballet. They doubt that the score qualifies as music. The questions are valid, but the answers are a resounding “yes!” This is the best kind of music and ballet – the kind that confuses us, makes us uncomfortable, and makes us think.

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Music I Liked – Midcentury Modern and Industrial Violin

man playing piano

Photo source: Gratisography

Last week was so much music. I discovered an Icelandic neoclassical composer – too late. My daughter’s orchestra had its winter performance. I attended Seattle Symphony Untuxed where I was exposed to midcentury modern music of the orchestral variety that still raises eyebrows today. Then electric violin and industrial soundscapes blew my mind at Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Director’s Choice. Through the week, a few themes emerged.

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