Vol. 19 No. 6 - La Source

"George Balanchine is very fond of referring to himself as a carpenter. At the New York State Theater

Source," he showed his skill at joinery. 'La Source' is a work that combines his new 'Delibes' Pas de Deux with salient parts of the earlier 'Sylvia' Pas de Deux and Divertissement. The results are never less than interesting, but never more than agreeable.

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Violette Verdy. Photos by Fred Fehl, 1968. Harry Ransom Center.

"The original pas de deux has been amplified by the older ballet, but its vagaries of structure remain apparent. The sudden introduction of an ensemble here brightly led by Carol Sumner-does not add much to the total strength of the piece.

"On the other hand, and this is the great advantage of having a master carpenter around, the piece is still extraordinarily craftsmanlike. Balanchine can always create something that works.

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John Prinz. Photos by Fred Fehl, 1968. Harry Ransom Center.

"The principal dancers, Violette Verdy and John Prinz, are better in this new expanded version than they ever were in the simple pas de deux. And, best of all, Balanchine has caught the astringent-style, sweetness of Delibes's music. His choreography is never obvious--it holds itself back with the bashful air of confident genius. Miss Verdy is a pure delight. She takes music and transforms it. Mr. Prinz is slightly less secure, but he is improving with every performance. In this new, spatch-cocked 'La Source,' Miss Verdy and Mr. Prinz are supreme. They give a performance that is totally elegant, Miss Verdy smiling and happy, and Mr. Prinz exultant in his forcefulness."

--Clive Barnes, New York Times, February 19, 1969