| Ariel | 24' |
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Ballet for orchestra 3(I,II=picc).3(III=corA).3bcl.2.dbn-4.3.3.1-timp.perc-strings In 1934 Gerhard collaborated with artist Joan Miró and writer JV Foix on this surrealist version of The Tempest. The work was never staged but premiered in concert in 1936. |
| Don Quixote | 32' |
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Ballet for orchestra 2(I,II=picc).picc2.corA.2.bcl.2-4.3.3.1-timp.perc(2)-harp-pft(4 hands)-strings The original Ninette de Valois ballet had considerable success in the UK and USA in the early 1950s, but the complete ballet has not been produced since. The work invites a new choreography parallelling Gerhard's exploration of the psychological implications of the Don Quixote story. The much-admired music can be heard on a recent Auvidis recording. |
| Pandora | 26' |
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Ballet for orchestra 1(=picc).1(=corA).2(II=bcl).1-2.1.1.0-timp.perc(2)-harp-pft(=cel)-strings Commissioned in 1942 by Kurt Jooss, Pandora was the successor to The Green Table and Chronica in his anti-war triptych. The scenario is a modern reworking of the classical myth of Pandora and Psyche. Gerhard's original score is for two pianos and percussion, making it eminently suitable for touring. The composer's later arrangement for chamber orchestra could be choreographed in its own right. Both versions are available on disc, from Largo and Harmonia Mundi respectively. |
| Soirées de Barcelone | 19' |
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Ballet for orchestra or solo piano 2.picc.3(III=corA).2.Ebcl.bcl.2.dbn-4.3.3.1-timp.perc-pft-harp-cel-strings. The ballet was commissioned in 1936 for the Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo but the work was left incomplete when Gerhard fled Spain. The original scenario by the Catalan writer Ventura Gassol was based on the ritual fire-festivals and dance ceremonies on the summer solstice. Gerhard's suite for piano, as recorded on a recent Largo disc, is highly suitable for dance. |