[Elssler, Fanny. (1810–1884)] [Taglioni, Marie. (1804–1884)] Glover, Charles William. (1806–1863)
La Gitana (The New Cachoucha)
New York: Firth & Hall, No. 1 Franklin-Sq. [ca. 1840]. Danced by Madlle Fanny Ellsler [sic], in the grand ballet La Gitana, at her Majestys Theatres, the Courts of Paris & St Petersburg. Arranged for the Piano Forte, by C. W. Glover. Pr. 50 cts. Upright folio. 6 pp. A short piano piece based on one of the legendary Austrian ballerina's popular dances, performed in the early 1840's. The attractive engraving on the cover shows a ballerina (actually not Elssler, but Marie Taglioni) dancing the character dance in a garden scene. Binding has been roughly hand-stitched; edge wear and some toning. Overall in very good condition. 10 x 13.25 inches (25.3 x 33.7 cm).As pointed out by George Chaffee (DANCE INDEX, vol. 1, no. 12, December 1942, p. 210), the ballerina pictured in the cover engraving is not actually Elssler, but rather Marie Taglioni: American publishers re-used an image of the other dancer and changed the name. Referencing two editions with the same image, Chaffee writes: "Clearly, the Taglioni sheet is the original, as Elssler never went to Russia until 1848 and these music sheets are of around 1840.... In America, even what Taglioni first had, Elssler's fame here took from her."
The legendary Austrian ballerina was especially celebrated for the Spanish Cachucha, which she introduced in 1836 in the role of Florinda in Le Diable Boiteaux, choreographed by Coralli. "Based on a traditional Spanish rhythm, this dance is characterized by intricate stamping and tapping footwork, coquettish glances, and a supple, swaying torso. It became the most talked-about ballet in Paris." (Oxford Dictionary of Dance) (14370)
Printed Music Dance Classical Music