Composer

:

William Schuman

Genre

:

Ballet

Style

:

Ballet

Compose Date

:

1947

First Performance

:

May 7, 1947

Average_duration

:

26:46

'Night Journey' is a ballet composed by William Schuman in 1947. The plot of the ballet is based on the Greek myth of Oedipus and his mother Jocasta. The ballet is divided into three movements, each depicting a different aspect of the story. The first movement, titled "The Oracle," sets the stage for the tragedy to come. The chorus of the ballet sings of the prophecy that Oedipus will kill his father and marry his mother. Jocasta, played by the lead ballerina, enters and dances a solo that expresses her fear and anxiety about the prophecy. The second movement, titled "The Sphinx," depicts the encounter between Oedipus and the Sphinx. The Sphinx, played by a male dancer, challenges Oedipus to solve her riddle or be destroyed. Oedipus, played by the lead male dancer, successfully solves the riddle and defeats the Sphinx. The final movement, titled "The Furies," depicts the aftermath of Oedipus' discovery of his true identity. Jocasta, realizing that she has married her own son, takes her own life. Oedipus, consumed by guilt and shame, blinds himself and is driven out of the city by the Furies. 'Night Journey' premiered on May 3, 1947, at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. The ballet was choreographed by Martha Graham, who also danced the role of Jocasta. The music was composed by William Schuman, who won the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1943. The movements of 'Night Journey' are characterized by Schuman's use of dissonant harmonies and complex rhythms. The music is often dark and brooding, reflecting the tragic nature of the story. The choreography, created by Graham, is characterized by her signature style of angular, dramatic movements that convey the emotional intensity of the characters. Overall, 'Night Journey' is a powerful and haunting ballet that explores the themes of fate, guilt, and redemption. Schuman's music and Graham's choreography combine to create a work of art that is both timeless and deeply moving.

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