Composer

:

John Alden Carpenter

Genre

:

Ballet

Style

:

Ballet

Compose Date

:

1923 - 1924

Average_duration

:

21:27

Skyscrapers is a ballet composed by John Alden Carpenter in 1926. The ballet is a tribute to the modern city and its towering skyscrapers. The plot of the ballet revolves around the hustle and bustle of city life, with dancers portraying various characters such as businessmen, office workers, and street vendors. The ballet is divided into three movements. The first movement, titled "Dawn," depicts the city waking up and coming to life. The music is slow and dreamy, with a sense of anticipation building as the day begins. The second movement, "Noon," is faster-paced and more frenetic, reflecting the busy midday rush of the city. The final movement, "Night," is slower and more contemplative, as the city settles down for the evening. One of the most notable characteristics of Skyscrapers is its use of jazz and popular music elements. Carpenter was heavily influenced by the jazz music of the time, and incorporated elements of it into the ballet's score. This was a departure from the more traditional classical music that was typically used in ballets at the time. Skyscrapers premiered on April 27, 1926, at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. The ballet was choreographed by Russian-born dancer Adolph Bolm, who had previously worked with Carpenter on another ballet, Krazy Kat. The premiere was a success, with critics praising the music and choreography. Overall, Skyscrapers is a unique and innovative ballet that captures the energy and excitement of the modern city. Its use of jazz and popular music elements was groundbreaking for its time, and helped to pave the way for future ballets that incorporated more contemporary music styles.

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