Composer

:

Iannis Xenakis

Genre

:

Ballet

Style

:

Ballet

Compose Date

:

1971

Average_duration

:

18:05

Antikhthon is a ballet composed by Iannis Xenakis in 1971. The title of the ballet is derived from the Greek word "Antichthon," which means "counter-earth." The plot of the ballet revolves around the idea of a counter-earth, a hypothetical planet that is located on the opposite side of the sun from Earth and is therefore invisible to us. The ballet explores the idea of a parallel universe and the possibility of life on another planet. The ballet is divided into three movements, each of which explores a different aspect of the counter-earth. The first movement, titled "The Arrival," depicts the arrival of a group of explorers on the counter-earth. The music is characterized by dissonant, percussive sounds that create a sense of tension and unease. The dancers move in angular, jerky movements, reflecting the harsh, alien landscape of the counter-earth. The second movement, titled "The Dance of the Giants," features a group of giant creatures that inhabit the counter-earth. The music is characterized by deep, rumbling sounds that evoke the massive size and weight of the giants. The dancers move in slow, deliberate movements, reflecting the ponderous nature of the giants. The third and final movement, titled "The Departure," depicts the departure of the explorers from the counter-earth. The music is characterized by soaring, ethereal sounds that evoke a sense of wonder and awe. The dancers move in fluid, graceful movements, reflecting the beauty and mystery of the counter-earth. Antikhthon premiered on June 2, 1971, at the Théâtre National de l'Opéra in Paris. The ballet was choreographed by Roland Petit and featured sets and costumes by René Allio. The ballet was well-received by audiences and critics alike, who praised Xenakis's innovative use of electronic music and his ability to create a sense of otherworldliness through his music. Overall, Antikhthon is a groundbreaking work that explores the idea of a parallel universe and the possibility of life on another planet. The ballet's use of dissonant, percussive sounds and soaring, ethereal melodies creates a sense of tension, wonder, and awe that is both captivating and thought-provoking.

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