Diamonds
This is the first anniversary of the death of Irene Diamond, patron of the arts, for whom the New York City Ballet's Diamond Project is named. (See last year's entries for January 20-23.)
Since tomorrow is the 100th anniversary of the birth of George Balanchine (according to the Gregorian, or "new style," calendar), it seems appropriate to recall his ballet Diamonds, though it has no apparent connection with Irene.
Diamonds is the conclusion of a three-part work titled Jewels. (The first two parts are Emeralds, with music by Fauré, and Rubies, with music by Stravinsky.)
" 'And then for the finale, Diamonds, I move to Tchaikovsky-always Tchaikovsky for dancing.'
Balanchine chose to use Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 3 in D major, gracefully cutting the first movement of the piece (by some accounts because it was too long, and by others because he felt it just wasn't suitable for dancing)."
In other words, Balanchine "cut" Diamonds. For another use of this metaphor, see The Diamond Project. The following remark on the first movement seems appropriate on this, the anniversary of Irene Diamond's death.
"The introduction to the first movement of the symphony is marked Moderato assai, Tempo di marcia funebre, the funeral march proceeding with increased pace...."
The following link to a part of Irene's year-long funeral march seems appropriate:
Longtime Juilliard Benefactor Dies.
Whether her good deeds made her, like Christ and Gerard Manley Hopkins, an immortal Diamond, I do not know. Let us hope so.
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