Sergei Diaghilev

Sergej Diaghilev (1872-1929) ritratto da Valentin Aleksandrovich Serov

Дягилев, Сергей Павлович

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Cimitero di San Michele in Isola - Tomba di Sergej Djagilev

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Russia-2000-stamp-Sergei Diaghilev

Sergei Diaghilev

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Sergei Diaghilev, 1916

Sergei Pavlovich Diaghilev (Russian: Сергей Павлович Дягилев; 31 March 1872 – 19 August 1929) was a Russian art critic, patron, ballet impresario and founder of the Ballets Russes, from which many famous dancers and choreographers would arise.

Early Life

Sergei Diaghilev was born into a noble family in Selishchi, Novgorod Governorate, Russian Empire. He was educated at the Imperial School of Jurisprudence in Saint Petersburg, where he initially studied law. However, his interests soon turned to the arts, and he became involved in the city's vibrant cultural scene.

Career

Diaghilev's early career was marked by his work as an art critic and his involvement with the Mir iskusstva (World of Art) movement, which he co-founded. This movement aimed to promote Russian art and culture, and Diaghilev organized several important exhibitions, including a major show of Russian portraiture in 1905.

Ballets Russes

In 1909, Diaghilev founded the Ballets Russes, a ballet company that would revolutionize the art form. The company brought together some of the most talented dancers, choreographers, composers, and designers of the time, including Vaslav Nijinsky, Igor Stravinsky, Léon Bakst, and Pablo Picasso. The Ballets Russes premiered many groundbreaking works, such as The Firebird, Petrushka, and The Rite of Spring.

Influence

Diaghilev's influence on the world of ballet and the arts was profound. He introduced Western audiences to Russian culture and played a crucial role in the development of modern ballet. His collaborations with artists from various disciplines helped to create a new, interdisciplinary approach to performance art.

Personal Life

Diaghilev was known for his charismatic personality and his ability to bring together diverse talents. He had several significant relationships with members of his company, including a well-documented affair with Vaslav Nijinsky. Diaghilev's personal life was often as dramatic as his productions, and he was known for his demanding and exacting nature.

Death and Legacy

Sergei Diaghilev died on 19 August 1929 in Venice, Italy, from complications related to diabetes. He is buried on the island of San Michele. Diaghilev's legacy lives on through the continued influence of the Ballets Russes on ballet and modern dance. Many of the artists he worked with went on to have significant careers, and his innovative approach to art and performance continues to inspire.

Related Pages

• Ballets Russes
• Vaslav Nijinsky
• Igor Stravinsky
• Léon Bakst
• Pablo Picasso
• The Firebird
• Petrushka
• The Rite of Spring
• Mir iskusstva