Patrick Bade
Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes, Part 1
Summary
The lecture explores Sergei Diaghilev’s role in commissioning works from renowned composers and artists such as Stravinsky, Debussy, Ravel, Picasso, and others. Diaghilev’s genius is attributed to his ability to sense talent in others and draw it out. Providing insights into Diaghilev’s transformative influence on the arts during the early 20th century, the lecture also covers Diaghilev’s early life, his transition to becoming a patron of the arts, and his success in organizing groundbreaking ballet seasons, introducing stars like Nijinsky and Pavlova. Part 1 of 2.
Patrick Bade
Patrick Bade is a historian, writer, and broadcaster. He studied at UCL and the Courtauld Institute of Art. He was a senior lecturer at Christie’s Education for many years and has worked for the Art Fund, Royal Opera House, National Gallery, and V&A. He has published on 19th- and early 20th-century paintings and historical vocal recordings. His latest book is Music Wars: 1937–1945.
I suppose it depended what part of society you came in. There is a story about Tchaikovsky that when his homosexuality became known that he was ordered to commit suicide and that he did so in a really horrific way, by drinking water infected with cholera.
It probably is a fashion statement. I don’t think he had a medical problem walking.
I don’t think that Nicholas the Second was actually very cultured, but certainly his uncles, the Grand Dukes were very interested. Shall we say, they were more interested in dancers than they were in the dance.