«Medea» by S. Barber – M. Graham in the context of American modern dance
Abstract
This article is devoted to the ballet «Cave of the Heart» (1946) the same known as «Medea» — the first stage opus by the American composer Samuel Barber (1910–1981). This score was commissioned by the idol of American modern dance, choreographer M. Graham (1893–1991) and continued a collection of ballets based on subjects from ancient Greek mythology. The article tells the story of the composition’s creation; analyzes the plot, draws parallels with its literary source (Euripides tragedy). The heroes’ archetypes and their musical characteristics are analyzed. The original choreography (M. Graham) and setting (I. Noguchi) of the performance, linked inextricably with the dramatic action, are considered. Attention is paid to the composition’s stage fate and its reception in the American musical world.
About the Author
A. S. Krivtsova
Gnesins Russian Academy of Music
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Postgraduate Student
30/36, Povarskaya St., Moscow, 121069
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Review
For citations:
Krivtsova A.S. «Medea» by S. Barber – M. Graham in the context of American modern dance. Bulletin of Vaganova Ballet Academy. 2020;(6):20-38. (In Russ.)
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