Nacho Duato: Africa Guzman-Alejandro Alvarez-Compañía

Here is an excerpt from Nacho Duato’s “Multiplicity. Forms of Silence and Emptiness” which is a ballet about Bach’s life.. It is danced by Africa Guzman and Alejandro Alvarez with the Compania Nacional de Danza. Music by J. Sebastian Bach

Here is a lovely duet showing Bach playing his “cello”. I have often wondered what it would look like if a cello were to come alive as it is being played. This is a wonderful interpretation of such a fantasy!

I love the way Duato brings the cello to life and what makes it work for me is how he has juxtaposed the contemporary movement of the cello to the Baroque musical score and Bach’s costume.

I am fascinated in how the cello responds to Bach’s playing as his bow movements reverberate through her body. The movement language to me is reminiscent of contemporary release technique, the sensitive physical response to touch in such a way the music comes out of the dancer’s body.

This duet is just beautifully danced and captivating to watch.

I hope you enjoy this to and share it with your friends!