The mystery of Bach metamorphosed into movement

Kunst der Fuge, the first major ballet by choreographer Martin Schläpfer, has been a contemporary classic ever since it was premiered in 2002. 

Choreographer Martin Schläpfer sees each of these nineteen works of counterpoint by Bach as a door opening onto a totally new experience. They are fragments of different worlds, contemporary pictures of life that intermingle as in a kaleidoscope. The result is a theatrical work in which the language of movement -- demanding, diverse and imaginative -- constitutes a careful sampling of Baroque extravagance. The choreography has a place for everything, from the classical repertory to contemporary dance, from pure ballet to Tanztheater, and from pointe shoes to high heels. It is a monument to dance with an unerring aim: that of evoking the mystery surrounding Bach's incomparable works. The German composer worked for a decade on this musical confession, which he ultimately left unfinished.