In 1944 the modern American ballet Appalachian Spring premiered at the
Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The collaborators behind the
performance anxiously awaited the critical response to their artistic
achievement: would the world understand what they had done?
In Ballet for Martha, the journey to this stage and the success shared
among choreographer Martha Graham, composer Aaron Copland and artist
Isamu Noguchi is expressively captured by acclaimed children's book
authors Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan. Together they tell the
exceptional story of the collaborative efforts behind the creation of
Appalachian Spring. Martha Graham, famous American dancer and
pioneering choreographer, ignited the process with her innovative dance
routines and desire to create a ballet that would represent America.
With Martha's spirit and choreography in mind, Pulitzer Prize-winning
composer Aaron Copland built upon the melodies of an old Shaker hymn to
create the original score. He titled it simply Ballet for Martha. Upon
Martha's request, artist Isamu Noguchi created the stage design for the
ballet, using a simple and angular style that reflected the movements of
Martha's choreography.
This story, first chronicled in the award-winning book, is now brought
to life in an original audiobook production by Brilliance Audio.
Acclaimed actress Sarah Jessica Parker captures the voices and emotions
of Martha Graham, Aaron Copland, and Isamu Noguchi as they work together
to produce the dance, score, and set of this beloved American ballet.
Accompanying the narration is a full performance by the Seattle Symphony
of the very score which fueled and inspired the ballet. Listeners will
be delighted by the layered collaborations brought together in this
audio production. From the three trail-blazing artists who labored to
capture America through lyrical movement, lilting melody, and
avant-garde design, to the literary, vocal, and orchestral talents of
today, Ballet for Martha is a beautiful, musical journey for listeners
of all ages.
