Johann Sebastian Bach’s The Art of Fugue is a fiendish work of near-mythical status. Written during the last seven years of the master’s life, the unfinished composition—experimental and exploratory—is a challenge to those who dare. Is the revered score appropriate for a ballet?
It was attempted by Wayne McGregor in 2014—the ballet Tetractys—with little success. Next Saturday in Copenhagen, Alexei Ratmansky is unveiling a full-length ballet to the 70-minute work (plus intermission). As one dance friend said, “This is bloody high culture.”
