In essence, American choreographer Trajal Harrell’s magnificent The Köln Concert reveals how dance can embody music and feeling. Performed by seven exceptional and exceptionally individualistic dancers, including Harrell himself, it doesn’t so much accompany Keith Jarrett’s celebrated 1975 free jazz musings as drink them in, letting the effervescent architecture and freedom of the recorded music escape through movement.
On a bare stage set with seven piano benches, the piece begins with four songs by Joni Mitchell that help the audience get its eye, ears and heart in sync with what’s unfolding. It’s a genius move, the gentle sweeps of arms and repetitive gestures, and a voguing fashion show of assorted mismatched garments, introducing the much more complex choreography that follows.
