Known By Heart

Music details
Audio sample

Six Pianos 
By Steve Reich

Known By Heart
World premiere date
Premiere location place
New York, NY
Dance sections

I. Kent, Corella

II. Jaffe, Stiefel

III. Roberts, Braun with Jaffe, Kent, Stiefel, Corella and Konobeyeva, Shelkanova, Belotserkovsky, Picone, Gomes, Stewart

Total number of dancers
12
Runtime
00:41:23
Other program information

Conductor: Ermannio Florio
Ballet Mistress: Stacy Caddell
Costumes Executed By Barbara Matera

From original program: "This ballet is dedicated to the memory of Bob Patino. The choreogrpaher wishes to thank Stacy Caddell, Alexander Kølpin, Kelly Cass and Tom Gold for their contribution." 

 

Known By Heart is a compilation of three dances that, when performed together, presents a broad spectrum of music and movement. The opening duet, set to Mozart’s “Danse Allemande,” is a display of counterpoint, infused with folk and social dance references.

Junk Duet makes up the second section. Donald “The Junkman” Knaack’s percussive score, played entirely on recycled materials, is an abrupt departure from the Mozart.

The third section is set to Steve Reich's minimalist composition “Six Pianos.” Two men perform in mirrored unison; their duet forms the bass line on which the other dancers enter and exit in variations of earlier material. 

  • Kent and Corella in the opening section.

    <p>© Rosalie O'Connor</p>
  • Stifel and Jaffe in Junk Duet as performed in Known By Heart.

    <p>© Rosalie O'Connor</p>
  • Braun and Roberts perform the third section.

    <p>© Paul Kolnik</p>
  • Company dancers perform in the third section.

    <p>© Rosalie O'Connor</p>
Videos
Video URL
Video Description

Members of American Ballet Theatre in an excerpt from the third section.

Full music program

Danse Allemande
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Transcribed by Robert E. Fertitta
Orchestration reconstructed by Anthony Sbordoni

Junk Music
Written and performed by Donald Knaack 

Six Pianos 
Composed by Steve Reich
Published by Hendon Music Inc., a Boosey & Hawkes company

Music details
Audio sample

Six Pianos 
By Steve Reich

Known By Heart (premiere) | American Ballet Theatre
New York City Center
New York, NY