Jazz Recital Costume

Puss in Boots (el Gato Con Botas), an Opera by Xavier Montsalvatge

Just occasionally – in fact pretty rarely these days – something utterly surprising emerges from an evening in a concert hall. Almost forty years into an interest in music which has focused on every style of western music from Gothic to minimalism (perhaps not such a great leap!), real surprises are now quite rare and often come about on hearing a work by a young composer, someone just starting to seek a voice. But Xavier Montsalvatge died aged ninety in 2002 after a lifetime longer than most as an active composer, but few outside his native Catalunya were then familiar with his music. Since moving to Spain I have actively sought programmes that featured his increasingly popular output and have been impressed with the eclecticism of his style, usually neo-classical, but often laced with popular tunes, folk song and jazz, and sometimes even giving more than a hint of Bartokian toughness. But nothing from the piano works and pieces for strings I have heard up to now could have prepared me for the experience that was Montsalvatge’s opera, El Gato con Botas, Puss in Boots.

Obviously an opera for children and with a text by Charles Perrault which faithfully follows the familiar pantomime version of the tale, we know from the first rhythmic string figures, with their shifting harmonies and ambiguous keys, that we are to experience a work which exists simultaneously on different levels, similar in some ways to Janacek’s Cunning Little Vixen, but lighter in its touch, a Miro to Janacek’s Dadd.

The work lasts just an hour and has five scenes. In the first our Puss is lazing on a cushion in front of the television, occasionally offering her skin-tight costume with its hanging baubles in languorous lines to the audience. The children were captivated from first to last, mesmerised by this wonderful engaging character, elegantly and excitingly portrayed and sung by Marisa Martins. Older members of the audience might have had other things in mind, such is the nature of pantomime. It is in this first scene that her new sequinned, high heeled and pointed boots are presented, along with a cloak to emphasise her pinkness. The king and princess lament the state of the kingdom. Apparently it’s a boring life when there are no wars or civil strife. Neither are there husbands, it seems. Puss with boots appears and is hired. The miller, a suitor for the king’s daughter, strips to his shorts and takes a swim in the river and immediately gets into difficulty. Puss summons her trusty white rabbits who, until now have balletically moved props and rearranged the kindergarten’s alphabetic furniture. They don snorkels and goggles and rescue the lad. The king is overjoyed and the princess’s eyes are seen to bulge a little. And then the ogre appears to rough things up a bit. In his lair, he laments the fact that the high life might have rendered his nose the colour of an aubergine. Puss sorts everything out, of course, whimsically avoiding the lion into which he transforms himself, then wooing the canary which is his next trick and finally, of course, dealing (offstage) with the radio-controlled orange mouse which was the form she requested him to take. Are all ogres that stupid? Anyway there’s a wedding and clearly all live happily ever after, including Puss who gets her television back.

So that’s the story. It’s pantomime, but it is superbly done and it’s filled with wonderful imagery. Marisa Martins as the Puss is quite outstanding in the role. She has a dancer’s use of the body alongside coquettish expressions and interpretive gestures which seem to draw the music rather than follow it. And she also has that unmistakable talent to sing beautifully and act apparently effortlessly at the same time. Enric Martinez-Castignani as the king gives an excellent portrayal of a bumbling idiot whose deafness perhaps hides his wisdom. Miguel Zapater as the ogre is outstanding. He becomes a real pantomime character who admits he has had a few too many glasses of wine. Maria Luz Matrinez as the princess carries off the apparent naiveté of the character with aplomb and her voice shines in a role that has to bear the sledgehammer imagery of a wedding dress of pure white hung with bright red balls. How’s that for subtlety! And if David Menendez had stripped down to his swimming trunks to take his dip in the river in an older-style opera house, no doubt a section of the audience would have called for a diversion of the glasses otherwise permanently trained on Pussy’s pinkness. His playing of the role was a superb blend of clown and suitor and his singing was excellent.

But underpinning all of this was the music, which was brilliantly expressive, a deceptively simple yet eclectic mix of recitative, full orchestra and inventive ensembles. The trombone and tuba figures that accompanied the ogre were a touch of genius. The recitatives were superbly cast as not quite Mozartian, whilst the neo-classicism was always delving into interesting harmonic shifts. And there was always the hint of a cat’s paw flick in the strings to allow Puss to draw us all in with that playful flick of the hand and wrist. In the pit the World Youth Orchestra played flawlessly and Josep Vincent, who is surely one of the brightest and most accomplished of young conductors, is surely destined for global recognition.

This was music and performance of the very highest standard – and all happening in this increasingly sophisticated little town of La Nucia, just outside Benidorm. What a wonderful place to live!

About the Author

Philip Spires
Author of Mission

http://www.philipspires.co.uk

Perfromance dancewear websites?

Something LIKE Kelle, but not. Because I already have that one bookmarked. I'm looking for jazz/lyrical costumes. Something that you'd wear ina recital. Anything but dance solutions, dance4less, discount dance or kelle. Something new.

leo's

Recital Costumes and Bag!

Jazz Sexy Flapper Costume $49.95 Its time to change it up and rebel against the strict rules society tries to put on you. Become a 1920's flapper with this demanding Jazz Sexy Flapper Costume. This five piece Jazz Sexy Flapper Costume comes with everything you need to look sexy and dance the night away. The costume includes a sequined front and black back dress with fringe, a matching sequined feathered headband, sexy long satin gloves, purple bead necklace, and cigarette holder. This Halloween go all out get the costume you and everyone else have been dreaming of.

In Recital $17.73 In Recital

Recital $17.73 Recital

Jazz Time Honey Costume - Black & Gold $36.95 Juke Joint Jezebel! For flirty Flapper fun, check this out! Our Black and Gold Jazz Time Honey Costume will transform you into a Golden Era Flapper girl. This comes with a black and gold fringed golden dress with gold sequin detail on the straps! It also comes with a gold sequin headband with attached black feathers and fashionable jewel! You're in for a roaring good time in this festive Black and Gold Jazz Time Honey Costume! When you're looking to jazz up your wardrobe, this is a red hot look you can stand behind!

Womens Plus Size Jazz Time Honey Costume $29.96 Plus Size 20's costume includes a fringed dress and headband with feathers. Get ready to cut the rug this Halloween when you don our Women's Jazz Time Honey costume! This striking mini dress costume features enough flash to get everyone at the speak easy talkin

Sexy All That Jazz Flapper Plus Women's Costume $42.96 Sexy 20's costume features a stretch knit strapless dress with unique drop waist, draping sequin trim and removable shoulder straps. includes sequin neckband and matching sequin and feather headband. This sexy costume combines the two popular styles of the Roaring 20s. The Women's Sexy All That Jazz Flapper Plus has...

All That Jazz Sexy Womens Flapper Costume $45.96 Sexy 20's costume includes dress and head piece. These days, we say that someone is all that when they are really sexy. This Halloween you can be all that jazz which mean you are sexy in a jazzy Flapper style. The Sexy Women's All That Jazz Flapper ...

Black Flapper Costume - All that Jazz Flapper $49.95 When this sexy flapper does her dance she'll put you in a trance. Nothing screams confidence and sexuality like an Adult Flapper Costume. This hot dress will make you want to stay out all night with the gals looking for trouble at the local speakeasy. This four piece Adult Flapper Costume comes with a sexy white microfiber strapless dress with a drop waist that shows just enough to make them beg for more. This costume also features a draping sequin trim and removable shoulder straps. Included are some great accessories including sequin neckband, feathered sequin headband and a long sleek cigarette holder.

Sexy All That Jazz Flapper Women's Costume $31.94 Sexy 20's costume features a stretch knit dress with tiered fringe and beaded neckline, sequin and feather headband, choker and boa. Step back in time to when the gin was cold and the piano was hot, but not a hot as this sexy flapper costume. The Women's Sexy All That Jazz Flapper Costume has classic details with modern sex appeal...

Puttin on the Ritz Costume $39.99 Walk in with the 1920's Jazz style with this velour and crepe satin Puttin on the Ritz Costume! Complete with sequin trim and applique, the speakeasies will be your second home in the enticing and exciting time of the sexy Flappers! A coordinating cloche with a sequin brim and flower accent will bring out your inner Clara Bow, taking the Golden Age of Hollywood into modern times! Carry the crepe satin shawl with you for that extra touch of class...! They weren't called the Roaring Twenties for nothing, so roar into the party with a sultry Puttin on the Ritz Costume that won't be easily forgotten!

Womens Flapper Costume - Dazzling Silver $49.95 Do you want to dance the Charleston this Halloween? Want to bring back the Roarin' 20s? You'll razzle dazzle them this year in our sultry Womens Flapper Costume ??? Dazzling Silver! Show up to the wild parties with All That Jazz in this scandalous Womens Flapper Costume ??? Dazzling Silver. The sexy silver dress comes complete with six rows of fringes to razzle dazzle, a sultry choker and matching headpiece with a feather. Add on a boa and fancy cigar holder for that extra glam look. Look glamorous this Halloween. Show up to the parties with All That Jazz!

Adult Flapper Costume - Charleston Cutie $79.99 Turn up the Jazz and take it back to the Roaring 20s!! Flaunt your disdain for concealing your charmingly good looks at the local speakeasy with this Adult Flapper Costume Charleston Cutie costume. This outfit is perfect for a mischievous gal who loves a little danger and needs a Gangster on her arm for protection. The Charleston Cutie Adult Flapper Costume is simply the finest quality and beautifully detailed with numerous accessories including a black satin dress detailed fringe, faux rhinestone buckles, lace overlay accents, fishnet stockings, long pearl necklace and sequined jeweled feather headpiece.

Pearl Earrings - All That Jazz $2.99 Looking for a neat accessory to add fun, finesse and "All That Jazz" to your cute ensemble? Then these pretty Pearl Earrings are just what you're looking for this Halloween!This attractive accessory features a pair of gold trim, white faux pearl ball earrings to bring out the "sassy Sally" in you this Halloween! Everyone will adore your sizzling look when they see you in this delightful item!With these Pearl Earrings, you'll have the perfect finishing touch for that jazzy ensemble this Halloween season!

Pearl Bracelet - All That Jazz $4.95 Looking for a neat accessory to add fun, finesse and "All That Jazz" to your cute ensemble? Then this pretty Pearl Bracelet is just what you're looking for this Halloween!This attractive accessory features a shimmering, white pearl armlet that can wrap around your wrist multiple times to bring out the "finicky Florence" in you this Halloween! Everyone will adore your sumptuous look when they see you in this delightful decor!With this Pearl Bracelet, you'll have the perfect finishing touch for that jazzy ensemble this Halloween season!

Diamond Ring - All That Jazz $3.95 Looking for a nifty accessory to add fun, finesse and "All That Jazz" to your cute ensemble? Then this delightful Diamond Ring is just what you're looking for this Halloween!This alluring accessory features a large, sparkling, rounded rectangle "rock" radiating from a gorgeous, gold band to bring out the "playful Patricia" in you this Halloween! Everyone will adore your luxurious look when they see you in this delightful piece!With this Diamond Ring, you'll have the perfect finishing touch for that jazzy ensemble this Halloween season!

Girls Flapper Costume - Roaring 20's Flapper $16.99 Get ready to razzle dazzle the Halloween crowd this year! You will look absolutely fabulous in this gorgeous flapper dress! Bring back the Roaring 20s in the Girls Flapper Costume ??? Roaring 20's Flapper Dress! Do you feel the jazz beat? Can you dance the Charleston? Ready to paint the town red and all that jazz?! Then check out the Girls Flapper Costume ??? Roaring 20's Flapper! The beautiful costume comes with a red dress with five layers of fringe and a red sequin headband. Add on a boa for that extra Flapper look! Put on your dancing shoes this holiday season! Paint the town red with this gorgeous Flapper Dress!

Hot Pink Girls Flapper Costume $26.95 Paint the town red this holiday season! Head to the whoopee spot where the piano's hot in this cute Hot Pink Girls Flapper Costume! Give them the old razzle dazzle and all that jazz this Halloween in a cute flapper dress! The Hot Pink Girls Flapper Costume is a perfect choice to bring back the roarin' 20s. The hot pink dress has six layers of fringe to dazzle the audience when you shimmy shake on the dance floor! The hot pink will draw everyone's attention this holiday season! So hurry up and put in your order today!

Howlin Good Time - Wolf Costume $89.95 Be-bop and skiddlely pop! Whether juke joint or jazz club, this wolf sure knows how to get down! Our Howlin' Good Time Wolf Costume comes with a bright red jacket and oversized black pants with red stripes. It also has a black dickey and attached white tie with red polka dots and even a slinky pin-up print on the end! This even comes with a black matching hat with red ribbon detail! It also comes with a grinning wolf mask and furry hands! This guy is on the prowl for a howlin' good time! Order the Howlin' Good Time Wolf Costume today!

Womens Flapper Costume - Dazzling Dark Grey $49.95 Do you want to dance the Charleston this Halloween? Want to bring back the Roarin' 20s? You'll razzle dazzle them this year in our sultry Womens Flapper Costume ??? Dazzling Dark Grey! Show up to the wild parties with All That Jazz in this scandalous Womens Flapper Costume ??? Dazzling Dark Grey. The sexy silver dress comes complete with six rows of fringes to razzle dazzle, a sultry choker and matching headpiece with a feather. Add on a boa and fancy cigar holder for that extra glam look. Look glamorous this Halloween. Show up to the parties with All That Jazz!

Womens Flapper Costume - Fashion Flapper Girl Black $37.95 It's the 1920s, in the era of Jazz; a new time of seduction and women's empowerment. To this day the style of the Flappers has always been in style for a night on the town. Dance the Charleston at the speakeasies in this Fashion Flapper Girl Black Womens Flapper Costume! You'll be the cat's meow! Carry yourself with the allure of Clara Bow and the class of the times! It's a glamorous lifestyle, and so slide in to an equally glamorous dress and be the social butterfly of the night! Order the Fashion Flapper Girl Black Womens Flapper Costume today!

Puttin on the Ritz Adult Costume - Plus Size $56.95 In this Jazz era themed outfit, you'll be Puttin' on the Ritz with 1920's style velour and crepe satin Plus Size Puttin on the Ritz Adult Costume. Complete with sequin trim and applique, the speakeasies will be your second home in the empowering time of the sexy Flappers! A coordinating cloche with a sequin brim and flower accent will bring out your inner silent film star, taking the Golden Age of Hollywood into modern times! Carry the crepe satin shawl with you for that classy finishing touch! Order the Plus Size Puttin on the Ritz Adult Costume today!

Womens Flapper Costume - Fashion Flapper Girl Black Plus Size $43.95 In the 1920s, jazz was never more popular; it was a new era of seduction and feminine empowerment, and to this day has yet to go out of style. Hang out in the speakeasy and dance the Shimmy in this sexy Fashion Flapper Girl Black Plus Size Womens Flapper Costume. You'll be the cat's meow! Carry yourself with the allure of silent film and a distinctive, classy vibe that no one can ignore! It's a glamorous lifestyle, and so slide in to an equally glamorous dress and be the social butterfly of the night in the Fashion Flapper Girl Black Plus Size Womens Flapper Costume!

Ivory Gatsby Girl Costume For Women $43.96 Fitzgerald's book, The Great Gatsby, is probably the most famous book associated with the “Roaring Twenties�. Go back in time to the Gatsby Era as a flapper dancing to the Jazz band's tunes. This period inspired costume comes with a knee-length one-piece off-white satin dress with ribbon trim & sequined fringes, & a matching hat.

Womens Jazzy Hot Pink Flapper Couples Costume $23.96 There's nothing hotter than Hot Pink and you'll bea true jazz hot baby in our Jazzy Hot Pink Flapper Costume. There's nothing hotter than Hot Pink and you'll bea true jazz hot baby in our Jazzy Hot Pink Flapper Costume.•Size: X-Small (Fits most sizes 2-6), Med/Large (Fits most sizes 8-12), XL (Fits most sizes...

Christmas Jazz $7.5 Spice up your Christmas party or seasonal recital with these jazz-inspired arrangements of familiar carols. Superb fare for both teenage and adult pianists...

Plus Puttin On The Ritz Costume (teal) $45.96 Plus Size 20's costume features a 20's style velour and crepe satin dresswith sequin trim & applique. also includes coordi nating cloche with sequin brim and flower accent. You'll have everyone at the local jazz bar talking when you hit the town in our Plus Size Puttin On The Ritz C

Guitar Recital $8.97 Disc 1:Variations on a Theme by Sor for guitar, Op. 15Cavatina Suite for guitar: 1. PreludioCavatina Suite for guitar: 2. SarabandeCavatina Suite for guitar: 3. ScherzinoCavatina Suite for guitar: 4. BarcaroleRito de los Orishas, for guitar: 1. Exordium-conjuroRito de los Orishas, for guitar: 2. Danza de las diosas negrasGuitar Sonata, Op. 47: 1. EsordioGuitar Sonata, Op. 47: 2. ScherzoGuitar Sonata, Op. 47: 3. CantoGuitar Sonata, Op. 47: 4. FinaleTriaela, for guitar: 1. Light Motif (Takemitsu au Brsil)Triaela, for guitar: 2. Black Horn (when Spain meets Jazz)Triaela, for guitar: 3. Clown Down (Gismonti au cirque)

Sexy All That Jazz Flapper Costume $54.97 Sexy 20's costume includes dress and head piece. These days, we say that someone is all that when they are really sexy. This Halloween you can be all that jazz which mean you are sexy in a jazzy Flapper style. The Sexy Women's All That Jazz Flapper ...

Opera Recital $15.29 Opera Recital