Your insight into “Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen” a solo from Five Rückert Songs, choreographed by Peter Darrell CBE, and performed by former Scottish Ballet Principal Eve Musto at Ballet Nights 005: New Futures last June.
Above former Scottish Ballet Principal Eve Musto performing “Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen” at Ballet Nights 005: New Futures, photo by Deborah Jaffe.
Among the influential voices in new choreography in post-war Britain, Peter Darrell CBE emerged as a remarkable master of narrative in classical ballet. His talent for storytelling through movement was exceptional, and he often chose unconventional narratives, exploring complex human emotions and inner lives in ways that could only be expressed through dance. His ballets frequently pushed boundaries, revealing truths that were both surprising and thought-provoking.
Darrell’s work transformed perspectives on ballet, embedding layers of psychological depth and contemporary realism that drew in audiences beyond the art’s traditional reach. From his pioneering days with Western Theatre Ballet to establishing what would later become Scotland’s national ballet, The Scottish Ballet, Peter Darrell was a visionary and a creator of extraordinary influence.
Left: From the Archives the late Elaine McDonald as The Woman, photo by Alan Crumlish; Right: Former Scottish Ballet Principal Eve Musto as The Woman, photo by Kersti Kuuse.
Peter Darrell’s Five Rückert Songs, set to the haunting music of Gustav Mahler’s remarkable song cycle, traces the emotional arc of a figure simply called “The Woman.” “Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen,” translating to “I have become lost to the world,” is the final song of the piece and has become one of Darrell’s signature works, described by dance critic Geoffrey Baskerville as “a masterpiece.”
Left: From the Archives the late Elaine McDonald as The Woman, photo by Alan Crumlish; Right: Former Scottish Ballet Principal Eve Musto as The Woman, photo by Kersti Kuuse.
Back in June, we had the privilege of showcasing this work at Ballet Nights: New Futures, performed by former Scottish Ballet Principal Eve Musto, accompanied on stage by our Ballet Nights House Concert Pianist Viktor Erik Emanuel and mezzo-soprano student at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Dana Mays.
Above former Scottish Ballet Principal Eve Musto and mezzo-soprano student at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Dana Mays. performing “Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen” at Ballet Nights 005: New Futures, photo by Deborah Jaffe.
Astonishingly, this was the first time Peter Darrell's work had been seen in London since 1979, making the celebration of such a visionary pioneer of contemporary ballet even more special. To find out more, visit The Peter Darrell Trust, formed in 1994 to safeguard his creative legacy and to continue promoting his work and ideals.
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