Graham Dances Appalachian Spring: March 19, 2012

Our latest Noteworthy video is a companion to our current Spring 2012 Presentation, and features a rare look at Martha Graham's iconic choreography for Aaron Copland's famed ballet Appalachian Spring. This 1944 16 millimeter film performance features Martha Graham as the Wife and Stuart Hodes as the Husband. The film was originally recorded without sound, but was later matched with the music for a film dedicated to Ms. Graham's legacy, in 1958; the music included here is the original chamber version of Appalachian Spring - specifically the famed "Variations on a Shaker Hymn ('Simple Gifts')". Something about this music – both the original folksong and Copland's elegiac scoring – captures the brightness and hope of springtime, magnified here is the joyful dance by Ms. Graham and company. Tell us what you think, and Happy Spring!

Martha Graham's 1944 choreography of "Simple Gifts" from Copland's Appalachian Spring