Glassworks

Presented by Kevos and Cheap Date

The music of Philip Glass and Bryce Dessner brought to life by Cornwall’s most imaginative dance company, Cheap Date, and contemporary music specialists, Kevos.

Glassworks by Philip Glass
Philip Glass’s extrovert minimalism has made him one of the most popular living composers, a reputation reinforced by his hit film music (Koyaanisqatsi, The Hours), his collaborations with rock icons (The Low Symphony after David Bowie), and his critically acclaimed theatre work Einstein on the Beach. Glassworks is music that pulses with a life all of its own. Ecstatic or wistful, its rhythms and harmonies are ideal partners to dance. The music is interpreted by an ensemble bought together specifically for the project. Devised by choreographer/director of Cheap Date, Grace Murdoch and the dancers, the movement embodies the unique sounds and energy of Glassworks in this iconic venue.

Murder Ballades by Bryce Dessner
Bryce Dessner is most famous as a rock musician–guitarist and songwriter for The National – who branched out into composing for classical ensembles. Murder Ballades, one of his most widely performed works, was inspired by American folk songs of the 1930s and ‘40s, specifically murder ballades. Dessner has synthesized melodies and concepts from these ballades into a brilliant chamber piece with complex rhythms and wild instrumental colours. Athletic, playful and slightly sinister, Murder Ballades is at once a celebration of life and a cautionary tale.

Oh, listen to my story, I’ll tell you no lies,
How John Lewis did murder poor little Omie Wise

The dramatic form and folk roots of this music are ideal as an inspiration for dance. Directed and Choreographed again by Grace Murdoch, this piece showcases the young talent of Propeller. A youth ensemble based in Cornwall of aspiring dancers aged 14 to 20 years led by Grace and Falmouth University’s Academy of Music & Theatre Arts (AMATA), with additional dancers from Falmouth’s BA(Hons) Dance & Choreography course.