Program 2: Musical Offering/Esplanade

Bach’s Musical Offering, composed at the request of Frederick the Great, is transformed by Taylor into a profound requiem in motion, where choreography recalls a series of wooden sculptures from New Guinea. Following is Taylor’s Esplanade, one of the most celebrated dances ever made. Set to two of Bach’s violin concertos, the work is a celebration of life and humanity, using the simplest pedestrian movements with masterful felicity.

Runtime: 87 minutes

PRE-SHOW TALKS

One hour prior to the performance, join us for a lively discussion on the works featured on the program at Manhattan School of Music’s Greenfield Hall.

Paul Taylor’s biographer Suzanne Carbonneau will be joined by former Paul Taylor company member Kate Johnson, who created the leading role in Musical Offering and danced its first performances. They will discuss this dance, which Taylor regarded as his masterwork, including its genesis in an exhibition of Oceanic art that Taylor saw at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.