Ballet for Martha, Jan Greenberg
Ballet for Martha, Jan Greenberg
List: $14.99 | Sale: $10.50
Club: $7.49

Ballet for Martha
Making Appalachian Spring

Author: Jan Greenberg, Sandra Jordan

Narrator: Sarah Jessica Parker, The Seattle Symphony conducted by Gerard Schwarz

Unabridged: 45 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download (DRM Protected)

Published: 09/04/2012


Synopsis

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.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Calista

This is about the making of the famous career making ballet ‘Appalachian Spring’ by Martha Graham and music my Aaron Copland, but his career was already made. It premiered in 1944. I do like Martha Graham. This was a nice story for older audiences who are into the creative process and life. It does......more

Goodreads review by Lisa

I enjoyed this book so much more than I’d expected. For one thing, the illustrations are glorious! Almost every picture is like a painting I was pleased to view. The way dance and movement are shown was lovely, as are the settings and all the people. The book has one of the best end notes I’ve ever re......more

Goodreads review by Abigail

Authors Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan, and illustrator Brian Floca have collaborated on this wonderful picture-book tribute to another artistic collaboration, one which brought together the story idea and choreography of Martha Graham, the musical composition of Aaron Copland, and the set design o......more

Goodreads review by Robert

I honestly had never heard of the modern American ballet "Appalachian Spring", let alone have seen it performed. So, this was all new to me. I am a big fan of Isamu Noguchi, however, and I learned something new about his collaborating with Martha Graham in the production of what would become "an Ame......more