Composer

:

Harry Partch

Genre

:

Ballet

Style

:

Ballet

Compose Date

:

1955

Average_duration

:

75:11

Movement_count

:

12

Movement ....

The Bewitched is a ballet composed by Harry Partch in 1955. The plot revolves around a young woman named Lysistrata who is bewitched by a group of witches. The witches, led by their queen, force Lysistrata to dance until she collapses from exhaustion. The ballet is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, titled "The Invocation," sets the stage for the ballet. It begins with a haunting melody played on the marimba, which is soon joined by the other instruments. The music gradually builds in intensity, creating a sense of foreboding. The movement ends with a sudden silence, as if the witches have cast their spell. The second movement, titled "The Possession," is the heart of the ballet. It begins with a frenzied dance by Lysistrata, who is now under the witches' control. The music is fast-paced and dissonant, reflecting the chaos of the dance. As the movement progresses, the music becomes more and more intense, until Lysistrata collapses from exhaustion. The final movement, titled "The Exorcism," is the resolution of the ballet. It begins with a mournful melody played on the viola, which gradually builds in intensity. The music becomes more and more dissonant, reflecting the struggle between the witches and the exorcist who has come to save Lysistrata. The movement ends with a triumphant melody played on the marimba, as Lysistrata is freed from the witches' spell. The Bewitched premiered on May 13, 1955, at the University of Illinois. The ballet was performed by the university's dance department, with Partch conducting the ensemble. The ballet was well-received by audiences and critics alike, who praised its innovative use of instruments and its haunting melodies. Overall, The Bewitched is a powerful and haunting ballet that showcases Partch's unique musical style. The ballet's use of dissonance and unconventional instruments creates a sense of unease and foreboding, while its three movements tell a compelling story of witchcraft and exorcism.

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