Divertissement

Apart from the fact that the grotesque style should not intrude into music, that title is unjust to the clever imitations and harmonies of the piece, very charming by the way, and which it would be more suitable to entitle "Divertissement" or "Variazione scherzose." ”

Letters Liszt, Franz 1893

Her greatest triumph may have been 1973's "Grand Divertissement a Versailles," when she came up with the idea of mounting a fashion show that would showcase American fashion designers alongside the giants of French haute couture.

U.S. Fashion's First Voice Ralph Gardner Jr. 2011

The dances set for Sept. 17 feature music that will make this introduction especially worthy: Alexi Ratmansky's "Namouna, A Grand Divertissement," with music by Edouard Lalo, and Jerome Robbins's "The Four Seasons," with music by Verdi.

Falling in Love With City Ballet's New Season 2010

Alexei Ratmansky's 'Namouna, a Grand Divertissement' is a successful ballet, though it doesn't illuminate New York Ballet's collaboration with architect Santiago Calatrava.

City Ballet Stumbles but Stays on Its Feet 2010

The second, Alexei Ratmansky's "Namouna, A Grand Divertissement," did not.

Two Newly Built Ballets 2010

Mr. Ratmansky's "Namouna, A Grand Divertissement" is a buoyant, comedic romp using the neo-classical style that looks so natural and right on this company.

City Ballet Stumbles but Stays on Its Feet 2010

The "Grand Divertissement" in Mr. Ratmansky's title may indicate that he now sees his ballet as a lengthy string of numbers, but his mostly deft shaping and joining of its parts points to a more momentous result.

Two Newly Built Ballets 2010

It doesn't take very long to realize you are in the presence of something very special when the curtain goes up on Namouna, A Grand Divertissement by choreographer Alexei Ratmansky with music from a relatively unheralded 19th century romantic work by composer Edouard Lalo.

Patricia Zohn: Culture Zohn: The Architecture of Dance Festival Begins at New York City Ballet 2010

In contrast to Mr. Millepied's 20-minute effort, Mr. Ratmansky's somewhat awkwardly titled "Namouna, A Grand Divertissement" lasted about an hour and almost burst at the seams with original, haunting suggestions of poetic life.

Two Newly Built Ballets 2010

Of one of his pieces -- the 'Divertissement à la hongroise' -- it is told that returning late one afternoon from a walk, he lingered beside the open window of the kitchen, in order to listen to the air which was being sung by the kitchen-maid within as she leaned against the fireplace.

Story-Lives of Great Musicians Francis Jameson Rowbotham