Degas at the Opéra, The Ballet from “Robert le Diable,” 1871–1872

KIMBERLY JONES: In this painting, which is actually a rare example by Degas in which he shows an actual operatic performance, we see the ballet from the opera known as Robert le Diable. SFX: MUSIC KAYWIN FELDMAN: Nineteenth-century French audiences expected to see a ballet scene within their operas. This one is a complicated tale involving a devil’s son, known as Robert le Diable, or Robert the devil, and debauched nuns who are called back from the dead in order to lure Robert to the dark side. You are hearing the score from one of the most electrifying moments in the opera, the “Ballet of the Nuns.” Curator Kimberly Jones. KIMBERLY JONES: And that’s the scene that Degas shows, this wonderfully dramatic over-the-top scene of the nuns rising from their graves, these ghostly figures swirling about, writhing across the stage. Very dramatic, very romantic. KAYWIN FELDMAN: The version Degas saw was a box office smash, in large part because of this sensational ballet. Stage directions called it a ‘bacchanal.’ Julie Kent, Artistic Director of the Washington Ballet. JULIE KENT: When you’re performing on the stage, you see the orchestra. And that’s the road for a dancer, how you move forward is you let the music come into your body and then, you bring it to life. You definitely respond to the orchestra. It’s the most beautiful thing. KIMBERLY JONES: Degas essentially breaks this painting down into two halves, two registers. The top half shows the performance. In the lower half, however, we are in the orchestra pit, along with the musicians, and we can just make them out. They’re all cast in shadow. KAYWIN FELDMAN: Nearly everyone is concentrating on their instruments or the stage. KIMBERLY JONES: All except one man in the center; we see him turning away. He’s actually a member of the audience, and he’s looking not at the opera, but actually through his opera glasses looking upwards into the opera boxes, watching someone else. KAYWIN FELDMAN: This isn’t your last look at the musicians. You’ll see a version of this orchestra again later on this tour.