Home » Community Blog » Big World with Martin McFie
Revels And Revolution
By
79 Views
In the Opera House foyer, red velvet, mirrors and the Belle Epoch style spoke of a time of elegance. The building dates to 1896, by which time Nice was annexed by France. Previously, it was part of Savoy and officially spoke Italian.
The ballet was a celebration of the work of two choreographers. The first part was accompanied by chattering sounds and high ululations. The dancers twisted and turned, lifted and raised on points.
The second half, called "Funkier than a Mosquito" was accompanied by a Nina Simone recording in her inimitable style and range singing "Sinnerman," "African Mailman" and " Wild is the Wind" The first two were her own compositions.
The physical excellence of the dancers was astonishing the meaning of the modern work was unclear. At one point, a young lady moved deliberately to the edge of the stage, hesitated then leapt off into the orchestra pit. Those in boxes could see the waiting mattress, but Par Terre, a sharp intake of breath was heard.
Mass transit was still paralysed by the end of the evening, taxis nowhere to be seen, but the air was clear for a walk beside the Mediterranean sea.
Posted to Big World with Martin McFie IN THE All About Jazz GROUP
Read more posts by Martin McFie
Read more France related posts
About Nina Simone
Location: France
PREVIOUS / NEXT
Become a Sustaining Member
Since 1995, All About Jazz has championed jazz as an art form and supported the musicians who create it. Over three decades, it has grown into one of the world's leading jazz resources, serving hundreds of thousands of readers, musicians, presenters and industry professionals each month.
Help Build the Future of All About Jazz
Your support helps us continue building All About Jazz for the next generation—expanding our editorial coverage, preserving jazz history, developing new community features and creating better ways to discover the music and the people behind it.
Become a sustaining member for as little as $20 per year and you'll immediately enjoy an ad-free experience along with access to subscriber features and future articles for a full year.
Together, we're not simply sustaining All About Jazz—we're building its future. Thank you for being part of the journey.
Recent
Frédéric Gomes Parisian Accordionist
Posted: October 14, 2026Views: 109
Jazz and Classical
Posted: October 3, 2026Views: 252
The European Jazz Festivals
Posted: September 22, 2026Views: 221
Guitars In Oxford
Posted: September 11, 2026Views: 251
Chopin In Warsaw
Posted: September 9, 2026Views: 370
Bossa Nova Discovered
Posted: September 4, 2026Views: 225
Staffa and Mendelssohn
Posted: September 1, 2026Views: 303
