You never really know (unless you actually do know) why two performances of the same ballet in close proximity in time turn out so differently, particularly when key personnel are consistent in both.
Ormsby Wilkins conducted ABT in Symphonie Concertante last month and the performance I saw was rushed and cold musically, which of course dictated how the kinetic response unfolded.
Last Saturday night, Wilkins conducted Symphonie Concertante, played by NYCB’s orchestra this time, but again danced by ABT, this time at Balanchine: The City Center Years. The breath and respiration of the ballet returned. With immeasurably beneficial results to the dancing.