And has anyone EVER filmed dance more meaningfully than Peter Glushanok (and the wonderful editing of Eleanor Hamerow)? I agree that if you're going to credit the lighting, and the camerman, etc. the 13 players should indeed be credited. But this is so wonderful to have this, even if it was done too late to include Merce Cunningham (the original Preacher) and Eric Hawkins (the husband... who actually was, for a time, Graham's husband).
I've waited such a long time to see this original ballet? and came upon it by chance ( thank you danceonfilm and youtube!!). It did not disappoint.
Btw how can anyone comment before the end of the work.??????????
This, and the serious nature of Martha and her folk at that time helped put America on the cultural map. The chamber version of the Copland score is finer and more subtle than the orchestral version. I'd love to see a modern version with the original score here in Liverpool.
It saddens me that this work of art has a mere 15,000 views while the Glee 3D promo has 2.5 million. This has long been one of my favorite pieces of orchestral rep, and I'm very happy to have spent the last half hour watching these videos. This is true American art, and I have no problem admitting I was brought to tears by this performance. I pray that admiration for this piece and others like it will never die.
@jacoismyhero I completely agree, but remember that this work of art is over 60 years old. In 60 years, how many people do you think will care about Glee and the like? Probably very few.
@jacoismyhero I was touched by your comments. My wish is that not only will this work be noted for the masterpiece that it is, and one of the great artistic works of the American people, but that the composer of this music was gay. I am disgusted when I (as a resident of Washington D.C.) see gatherings of Tea Party followers, and other conservative groups use the music of Aaron Copland. I don't think he would approve. But then who would they turn to? Elvis ?
@dsindc I can certainly understand your frustration. It saddens me to see our struggles with civil rights for our lgbt brothers and sisters. I take solace in the fact that American art comes from (and exists because of) people of all races, religions, and sexual orientations. Beauty exists in everyone and everything. This is one piece of the puzzle that is true American culture - not the ugliness of its oppression and ignorance, but of its desire to overcome and love and find happiness.
@jacoismyhero What a great comment jacoismyhero. I've always had conflicted views about the U.S., but we do seem to .. if ever so slowly...increase circles of inclusion. I also think it's important to remember that we have never had a big powerful country forcefully pushing us to so. It was the U.S. that pushed Europe (after 50 million people were killed in WW II) to put an end to a sort of tribalism. Copland makes references in his music to the African American , Jewish Europe, (cont)
@jacoismyhero (cont)... German Europe, and what folk music the American people had produced. Aaron embraced all of it - (even though at first he hated Western Cowboy Music, he came to become a real fan). I think we are changing. I'm white, my nephew is marrying a wonderful Korean, and both families are thrilled. This would have been a scandal only a few decades ago. On the artistic scene, Europe has been pretty dead culturally for some time now. I still think America has a lot of potential.
The iconic performance of an American iconic work. Any "new" version of this choreography should at least stay with the story line. I saw a version awhile back that had nothing at all to do with the original. Not only was it poorly danced, for lack of a better term, but it was based on some simple-minded post-modernist conceit. Totally dim.
It is a shame that the 13 musicians are not listed, for their performance is wonderful. If their names are available, please add them.
I had never previously seen the ballet Copland had written this utterly beautiful music for. I was looking just to hear Appalachian Spring, and I almost didn't click this, but I'm glad I did. This music always leaves me with goosebumps on my neck, back, and arms, and a tingling sensation over most of my body. That's how I know if a piece of music is really good.
When I was at the Graham school in NYC 1980-81, Stuart Hodes was the chief receptionist and he was a really nice Man. Nice to see his performance here, so thanks for posting this.
Absolutely wonderful. However, I think Martha might have been a little too old for this role. That's not to say she didn't dance it with perfection, but she's over 60 in this.
And has anyone EVER filmed dance more meaningfully than Peter Glushanok (and the wonderful editing of Eleanor Hamerow)? I agree that if you're going to credit the lighting, and the camerman, etc. the 13 players should indeed be credited. But this is so wonderful to have this, even if it was done too late to include Merce Cunningham (the original Preacher) and Eric Hawkins (the husband... who actually was, for a time, Graham's husband).
AndrewRudin 1 month ago
Just beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing this!
toomuchchai 3 months ago
merci.
toshiba6079 3 months ago
I've waited such a long time to see this original ballet? and came upon it by chance ( thank you danceonfilm and youtube!!). It did not disappoint.
Btw how can anyone comment before the end of the work.??????????
This, and the serious nature of Martha and her folk at that time helped put America on the cultural map. The chamber version of the Copland score is finer and more subtle than the orchestral version. I'd love to see a modern version with the original score here in Liverpool.
mgsmith1957 4 months ago
i think that the story is very interesting, but the dance doesn't spark me as great. No offense; just my opinion being stated.
brunofan8 5 months ago
It saddens me that this work of art has a mere 15,000 views while the Glee 3D promo has 2.5 million. This has long been one of my favorite pieces of orchestral rep, and I'm very happy to have spent the last half hour watching these videos. This is true American art, and I have no problem admitting I was brought to tears by this performance. I pray that admiration for this piece and others like it will never die.
jacoismyhero 6 months ago
@jacoismyhero I completely agree, but remember that this work of art is over 60 years old. In 60 years, how many people do you think will care about Glee and the like? Probably very few.
Verschrankung 6 months ago
@Verschrankung Excellent point. Something becomes art (IMHO), when it passes the test of time. Copland's has done that.
dsindc 3 months ago
@jacoismyhero I was touched by your comments. My wish is that not only will this work be noted for the masterpiece that it is, and one of the great artistic works of the American people, but that the composer of this music was gay. I am disgusted when I (as a resident of Washington D.C.) see gatherings of Tea Party followers, and other conservative groups use the music of Aaron Copland. I don't think he would approve. But then who would they turn to? Elvis ?
dsindc 6 months ago
@dsindc I can certainly understand your frustration. It saddens me to see our struggles with civil rights for our lgbt brothers and sisters. I take solace in the fact that American art comes from (and exists because of) people of all races, religions, and sexual orientations. Beauty exists in everyone and everything. This is one piece of the puzzle that is true American culture - not the ugliness of its oppression and ignorance, but of its desire to overcome and love and find happiness.
jacoismyhero 3 months ago
@jacoismyhero What a great comment jacoismyhero. I've always had conflicted views about the U.S., but we do seem to .. if ever so slowly...increase circles of inclusion. I also think it's important to remember that we have never had a big powerful country forcefully pushing us to so. It was the U.S. that pushed Europe (after 50 million people were killed in WW II) to put an end to a sort of tribalism. Copland makes references in his music to the African American , Jewish Europe, (cont)
dsindc 3 months ago
@jacoismyhero (cont)... German Europe, and what folk music the American people had produced. Aaron embraced all of it - (even though at first he hated Western Cowboy Music, he came to become a real fan). I think we are changing. I'm white, my nephew is marrying a wonderful Korean, and both families are thrilled. This would have been a scandal only a few decades ago. On the artistic scene, Europe has been pretty dead culturally for some time now. I still think America has a lot of potential.
dsindc 3 months ago
Thank you so much for sharing this. I've loved the music for a long time, and I will enjoy it even more having seen the story it was written for.
Salsiccia1 7 months ago
Her 114th birthday would have been yesterday!
AlfieJ06 9 months ago
she is a real dancer
TheModerngirl8 9 months ago
This is beautiful to watch!
sammiwalker88 9 months ago
The iconic performance of an American iconic work. Any "new" version of this choreography should at least stay with the story line. I saw a version awhile back that had nothing at all to do with the original. Not only was it poorly danced, for lack of a better term, but it was based on some simple-minded post-modernist conceit. Totally dim.
It is a shame that the 13 musicians are not listed, for their performance is wonderful. If their names are available, please add them.
somerspaulm 1 year ago 5
@somerspaulm
You are so right about not naming the musicians--only 13 of them and a huge part of this chamber piece.
I had forgotten just how much ballet still imbued Graham's work.
maxreger100 7 months ago
And SO beautifully photographed and edited! Wonderful Noguchi set.
Marg002 1 year ago
I had never previously seen the ballet Copland had written this utterly beautiful music for. I was looking just to hear Appalachian Spring, and I almost didn't click this, but I'm glad I did. This music always leaves me with goosebumps on my neck, back, and arms, and a tingling sensation over most of my body. That's how I know if a piece of music is really good.
Mistraker 1 year ago
What a gift to have this where everyone can see and hear. Thanks!
GailMult 1 year ago
Thanks so much for uploading this! A real piece of art and history preserved on film, with Martha herself dancing the lead role.
hallieboy 1 year ago
When I was at the Graham school in NYC 1980-81, Stuart Hodes was the chief receptionist and he was a really nice Man. Nice to see his performance here, so thanks for posting this.
drewdavis58 1 year ago
@drewdavis58 You can get in touch with Mr. Hodes on Facebook.
kdavisification 1 year ago
I adore this presentation. I am now a fan of Martha Graham. I was touched and moved by them all.
roncerod 1 year ago 7
Absolutely wonderful. However, I think Martha might have been a little too old for this role. That's not to say she didn't dance it with perfection, but she's over 60 in this.
sousainstereo 1 year ago
@sousainstereo She may be old to be a bride, but she was never too old to dance with grace, style and beauty.
momscouter 1 year ago
Comment removed
joshuajeffery 1 year ago