Research Catalog

Title

Interview with Michael Somes. July 27, 1972, 1972.

Author

Somes, Michael, 1917-1994

Publication

1972

Items in the Library & Off-site

Details

Additional Authors

Gruen, John

Description

2 sound discs (approximately 56 minutes): digital; 4 3/4 in.

Summary

• Disc 1, approximately 47 minutes. John Gruen speaks with Michael Somes about Somes' career beginning with his background and early dance training; moving to London and entering the school at Sadler's Wells Ballet [known until 1941 as the Vic-Wells Ballet]; Lilian Baylis's finding financial aid for him; his mysterious benefactor, known as Glyn; the financial straits of the company at the time; seeing the Ballet Russe [de Monte Carlo]; his ability to remember accurately the steps upon seeing a ballet performed; his first major role, as the young man in Frederick Ashton's ballet Horoscope, and his subsequent dancing of many classical roles; his service during World War II and his injury; returning to the company where he eventually became the leading male dancer; his frequent partnering of Margot Fonteyn; reasons their partnership was successful; his concept of the male partner's role including Fonteyn's thoughts on their partnership; tenaciousness as the key to a successful career; his thoughts on whether dancers' training today is too rigorous and narrow, as Fonteyn [as recounted by Gruen] appears to think; Somes' responsibilities as répétiteur [at the Royal Ballet]; the essential qualities of a male dancer; Rudolf Nureyev, in particular his training; briefly, the qualities of a British dancer; dance critics [ends abruptly].
• Disc 2, approximately 9 minutes. John Gruen and Michael Somes continue to speak about dance critics; reasons Somes does not attempt to choreograph; briefly, Frederick Ashton as a choreographer; Somes' reason for using a monocle; his reputation as a strict disciplinarian; briefly, Antoinette Sibley.

Donor/Sponsor

Gift of John Gruen, April 1974

Alternative Title

Dance Audio Archive.

Subjects

• Vic-Wells Ballet
• Baylis, Lilian, 1874-1937
• Fonteyn, Margot, 1919-1991
• Audiotapes > Somes, M
• Ashton, Frederick
• Somes, Michael, 1917-1994
• Sadler's Wells Ballet
• Royal Ballet

Note

• Interview with Michael Somes conducted by John Gruen on July 27, 1972 in London, England. This interview was used as a basis for a chapter in John Gruen's book, The private world of ballet (New York, Viking Press).
• For transcript, see: *MGZMT 3-193.
• Sound quality is fair. Michael Somes' voice is sometimes soft but almost always easily audible. Also, there are extraneous noises and occasional short gaps.

Funding (note)

• The conservation and cataloging of this recording was made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. The support of the National Endowment for the Arts is also gratefully acknowledged.

Call Number

*MGZTL 4-193

OCLC

77606614

Author

Somes, Michael, 1917-1994, interviewee.

Title

Interview with Michael Somes. July 27, 1972, 1972.

Production

1972

Type of Content

spoken word

Type of Medium

audio

Type of Carrier

audio disc

Event

Recorded by John Gruen 1972, July 27 London, England.

Funding

The conservation and cataloging of this recording was made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. The support of the National Endowment for the Arts is also gratefully acknowledged.

Original Version

Original format: one sound cassette (approximately 56 minutes); 1 7/8 ips. originally recorded on July 27, 1972; transferred to wav file and compact disc formats in 2013.

Local Note

Former classmark: *MGZTC 3-193

Added Author

Gruen, John, interviewer.

Gruen, John, donor

Research Call Number

*MGZTL 4-193