Composer

:

Elliott Carter

Genre

:

Ballet

Style

:

Ballet

Compose Date

:

1947

Average_duration

:

32:49

The Minotaur is a ballet composed by Elliott Carter in 1947. The plot of the ballet is based on the Greek myth of the Minotaur, a creature with the head of a bull and the body of a man, who lived in a labyrinth on the island of Crete. The ballet tells the story of Theseus, a young Athenian prince who travels to Crete to slay the Minotaur and free his people from the annual tribute of young Athenian men and women. The ballet is divided into three movements. The first movement, titled "The Labyrinth," introduces the audience to the setting of the ballet and the character of the Minotaur. The music is dark and ominous, with dissonant chords and angular melodies that create a sense of foreboding. The dancers move in a maze-like pattern, evoking the labyrinth that the Minotaur inhabits. The second movement, titled "The Battle," depicts the confrontation between Theseus and the Minotaur. The music is more rhythmic and energetic, with driving percussion and brass fanfares. The dancers engage in a fierce battle, with Theseus ultimately emerging victorious. The final movement, titled "The Triumph," celebrates Theseus' victory and his return to Athens. The music is triumphant and joyful, with soaring melodies and lively rhythms. The dancers perform a celebratory dance, with Theseus and his love interest, Ariadne, at the center. The Minotaur is characterized by its complex and challenging music, which reflects Carter's modernist style. The score features intricate rhythms, unconventional harmonies, and complex polyphony, which require a high level of technical skill from the musicians. The choreography is similarly demanding, with intricate footwork and acrobatic lifts. The ballet premiered on May 15, 1947, at the New York City Ballet, with choreography by George Balanchine and sets and costumes by Isamu Noguchi. The ballet was well-received by critics and audiences alike, and it has since become a staple of the modern ballet repertoire.

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