337. Modern Jazz: Variants 1961
- Music
Gunther Schuller (Variants for orchestra and the Modern Jazz Quartet, 1960, commissioned by the New York City Ballet)
- Choreography
George Balanchine
- Production
Lighting by David Hays
- Premiere
January 4, 1961, New York City Ballet, City Center of Music and Drama, New York. Conductor: Gunther Schuller. Modern Jazz Quartet: John Lewis (piano), Percy Heath (bass), Milt Jackson (vibraharp), Connie Kay (drums)
- Cast
INTRODUCTION (orchestra): Diana Adams, Melissa Hayden, John Jones (guest artist), Arthur Mitchell, 6 women, 6 men; VARIANT 1 (piano): Adams, Jones; VARIANT 2 (bass): Adams, 6 men; VARIANT 3 (vibraharp): Hayden, Mitchell; VARIANT 4 (drums): Hayden; VARIANT 5 (quartet): Adams, Hayden, Jones, Mitchell; FINALE: Entire cast
Performance Type
Ballet
Note
The Modern Jazz Quartet played on stage, accompanied by a twelve-tone score performed by the orchestra. The choreography combines ballet with jazz movement.
