Le souffle de l’Esprit

In this work created in 2007 for the Zurich Ballet, choreographer Jiří Bubeníček bows to the eternal growth and decay of existence: a “yes” to life and a “yes” to death as the order of the world cycle that must be followed. The inspiration for his work, which would be translated as “The Breath of the Spirit”, were the paintings and drawings of Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci. The choreographer found in them the beauty of youth and age. Contemplative music by Johann Sebastian Bach, Roman Hofstetter, Johann Pachelbel and the spherical sounds of Otto Bubeníček underlie the dance sequences of elegiac movements and flowing expression. “Le souffle de l’esprit” can also be interpreted as part of the choreographer’s personal biography: a farewell to his deceased grandmothers. One could translate the last part of the ballet “Canon in D Major” as angels accompanying the human soul to heaven. The work is dedicated to them - Olga and Marie.