Cakewalk

Commissioned by the New York City Ballet Company. Choreography by Ruthanna Boris. First performed June 12, 1951 with Leon Barzin conducting at New York City Center.

The score is based on piano pieces by Louis Moreau Gottschalk and included are also three minstrel tunes of the period. The whole score is based on the development of the cakewalk rhythm. The score is divided into five sections. The first, a “Grand Introductory Walkaround” based on “Bamboula” by Gottschalk. The second, a group of three variations: a) “Wallflower Waltz” (“Won’t You Buy My Pretty Flowers”—a minstrel tune), b) “Sleight of Feet” (“Josiphus Orange Blossom” and “Adolphus Morning Glory”—both minstrel tunes), c) “Perpendicular Points” (“La Gallina” by Gottschalk). From the third part: “Freebee”, based on “The Banjo”. The fourth section is a series of three illusions: a) Introduction of Magicians and “Venus and the Three Graces” (“Marche des Giberos” and “The Maiden’s Blush”), b) “The Wild Pony” (“Orfa”) c) “Pas de Deux” and “Ride-out” (“The Water Sprite”). The fifth section is a “Gala Cakewalk”, based on “Pasquinade”.

— Hershy Kay

Reproduction Rights:
This program note may be reproduced free of charge in concert programs with a credit to the composer.