Composer

:

Joan Tower

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Character Piece

Compose Date

:

1980

Average_duration

:

5:47

"Petroushkates" is a ballet score composed by Joan Tower in 2002. It was commissioned by the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and premiered on February 14, 2003, at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The score is based on the original ballet "Petrouchka" by Igor Stravinsky, which premiered in 1911. The score consists of four movements, each representing a different character in the ballet. The first movement, "Petrouchka," is a lively and energetic piece that captures the playful and mischievous nature of the character. The second movement, "The Ballerina," is a delicate and graceful piece that represents the beauty and elegance of the ballerina. The third movement, "The Moor," is a powerful and intense piece that represents the strength and aggression of the moor. The final movement, "The Shrovetide Fair," is a lively and festive piece that represents the carnival atmosphere of the fair. One of the characteristics of "Petroushkates" is its use of percussion instruments. Tower incorporates a wide variety of percussion instruments, including marimba, vibraphone, xylophone, and timpani, to create a rhythmic and dynamic score. The use of percussion also adds to the playful and energetic nature of the score. Another characteristic of "Petroushkates" is its use of dissonance and unconventional harmonies. Tower uses dissonant chords and unconventional harmonies to create a sense of tension and unease in the score. This adds to the dramatic and intense nature of the ballet. Overall, "Petroushkates" is a dynamic and exciting score that captures the essence of the original ballet while adding a modern twist. Its use of percussion and unconventional harmonies make it a unique and memorable piece of music.

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