Composer

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George Antheil

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Keyboard

Compose Date

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Jun 1, 1933

La Femme 100 Têtes, W. 60 is a surrealist ballet composed by George Antheil in 1929. The ballet premiered on June 7, 1929, at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris, France. The ballet is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, titled "The Creation of the World," is a chaotic and dissonant piece that sets the tone for the rest of the ballet. The music is characterized by its use of percussion instruments, including drums, cymbals, and xylophones, which create a sense of urgency and tension. The movement is also notable for its use of unconventional instruments, such as car horns and airplane propellers, which add to the chaotic atmosphere. The second movement, titled "The Woman with 100 Heads," is a more melodic and lyrical piece that features a solo violin. The music is characterized by its use of lush harmonies and sweeping melodies, which create a sense of beauty and elegance. The movement is also notable for its use of unusual time signatures, such as 7/8 and 5/4, which add to the sense of unpredictability. The third and final movement, titled "The Death of the World," is a dark and ominous piece that brings the ballet to a dramatic conclusion. The music is characterized by its use of dissonant harmonies and eerie sound effects, such as the use of a siren and a wind machine. The movement is also notable for its use of unconventional playing techniques, such as the use of mutes on the brass instruments, which create a sense of otherworldliness. Overall, La Femme 100 Têtes, W. 60 is a groundbreaking work that pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in classical music at the time. Antheil's use of unconventional instruments, dissonant harmonies, and unusual time signatures paved the way for future experimental composers and helped to establish him as a leading figure in the avant-garde music scene of the 1920s and 1930s.

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