With a ballet evening on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Uwe Scholz's death, ballet director Remy Fichet, who has been in office in Leipzig since the beginning of the season, paid tribute to the former ballet director and chief choreographer (1991-2004) who was so popular in this city. The ballets developed by Scholz for Beethoven's 7th Symphony and Schumann's 2nd Symphony were on the Leipzig repertoire six times, and the audience celebrated his work with thunderous applause. There is no romance to be experienced, no lavish costumes in front of an elaborate backdrop. Wide stripes of color run vertically in the background, they come from the work of the American artist Morris Louis. The dancers, meanwhile, wear light leotards — that's all. This economical equipment allows us to follow the complex movement patterns precisely. Flying pas de deux, powerful lifts, many quick turns and jumps: it can make you dizzy just watching. Scholz demanded a lot, was bursting with ideas for movement, but his incredible musicality remains particularly impressive: the man made notes jump. Thanks to the guys in Leipzig, one can only shout: show more Uwe Scholz!
Again in Ludwigsburg, Forum am Schlosspark, 15, 16 February; www.oper-leipzig.de; www.forum.ludwigsburg.de
