In the Wake of Diaghilev

In the Wake of Diaghilev chronicles the aftermath and influence of Sergei Diaghilev's legendary Ballets Russes company after his death in 1929. Written by Richard Buckle, a ballet historian and critic, the book traces the various ballet companies and creative figures who carried the Ballets Russes legacy into subsequent decades. The text examines key personalities like George Balanchine, Ninette de Valois, and Marie Rambert who emerged from Diaghilev's orbit to shape modern ballet. It covers their artistic ventures, company formations, and evolution of dance styles across Europe and America through firsthand accounts and archival research. Through interviews and correspondence with dancers, choreographers, and composers of the era, Buckle reconstructs the cultural networks and artistic developments that stemmed from Diaghilev's innovations. The narrative spans major ballet centers including Paris, London, Monte Carlo and New York. This history illuminates how one visionary impresario's influence rippled through decades of dance history, transforming ballet from an imperial Russian art form into a vibrant international phenomenon. The book raises questions about artistic inheritance, innovation, and the tension between tradition and progress in performing arts.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Richard Buckle's overall work: Readers value Buckle's detailed research and intimate knowledge of ballet history, particularly in his biographies of Nijinsky and Diaghilev. His personal connections to key dance figures lend authenticity to his accounts. What readers liked: - Clear explanations of complex ballet history - Inclusion of first-hand accounts and primary sources - Balance between academic depth and readable style - Thorough documentation of ballet's development in the 20th century What readers disliked: - Dense writing can be challenging for casual readers - Some passages focus too heavily on social context rather than dance - Occasional bias when discussing personal acquaintances - Limited availability of his works in print Ratings: Goodreads: "Nijinsky" - 4.1/5 (127 ratings) "Diaghilev" - 4.3/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: "Nijinsky" - 4.5/5 (12 reviews) "Diaghilev" - 4.7/5 (8 reviews) Several readers note his works remain relevant reference materials for dance students and historians, though newer biographical works have emerged since publication.

Nijinsky by Richard Buckle A comprehensive biography of Diaghilev's star dancer, documenting the Ballets Russes through the lens of its most famous performer.

Apollo's Angels: A History of Ballet by Jennifer Homans This history of ballet traces the art form from its origins to modern times with substantial focus on the Ballets Russes period and its influence.

Diaghilev: A Life by Sjeng Scheijen This biography draws from Russian sources to present Diaghilev's life story, business dealings, and artistic relationships in the context of early 20th century cultural shifts.

The Ballets Russes and Its World by Lynn Garafola and Nancy Van Norman Baer A collection of essays examines the artistic, social, and political dimensions of the Ballets Russes through multiple perspectives and historical documents.

Stravinsky and the Russian Traditions by Richard Taruskin This examination of Stravinsky's work illuminates the composer's relationship with Diaghilev and the musical innovations that emerged from their collaboration.

🎭 Richard Buckle spent 15 years collecting rare photographs, designs, and personal accounts from surviving members of the Ballets Russes for this comprehensive chronicle. 🎨 The book features previously unpublished sketches by Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse, who designed sets and costumes for Diaghilev's productions. 💃 Serge Diaghilev, the subject of the book, revolutionized ballet by combining avant-garde music, art, and dance—commissioning works from composers like Igor Stravinsky and designers like Coco Chanel. 📖 Published in 1982, this was one of the last major works by Buckle, who was considered the preeminent dance critic of his time and wrote for The Sunday Times for over 30 years. 🎵 The book details how Diaghilev's company sparked riots at the premiere of "The Rite of Spring" in 1913, with audience members so outraged by the modern music and choreography that they threw things at the orchestra.