John Alden Carpenter - John Alden Carpenter: Complete Ballets (LP)

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of early 20th-century American ballet music with John Alden Carpenter's "Complete Ballets," a meticulously crafted collection of three seminal works that showcase Carpenter's innovative spirit and rich orchestral textures. Released on July 12, 2024, by BMOP/sound, this album presents a unique opportunity to explore Carpenter's contributions to the ballet genre, which often drew inspiration from contemporary literature and art.

The album opens with "Krazy Kat," a whimsical and playful ballet based on the popular comic strip by George Herriman. Carpenter's score brings to life the eccentric characters and surreal landscapes of the comic, with lively rhythms and colorful orchestration that mirror the strip's unique visual style. Following this is "The Birthday of the Infanta," a more somber and introspective work inspired by Oscar Wilde's story of the same name. Carpenter's music paints a vivid picture of the Spanish court and the tragic tale of the dwarf, with intricate melodies and rich harmonies that evoke a sense of melancholy and longing.

The album concludes with "Skyscrapers," a vibrant and dynamic ballet that captures the energy and excitement of 1920s New York City. Carpenter's score is a tour de force of orchestral writing, with driving rhythms, soaring melodies, and lush harmonies that bring to life the bustling streets and towering buildings of the city. The ballet features a series of vivid scenes, from the frantic pace of the "Merry-Go-Round" to the haunting beauty of the "Negro Scene," each one showcasing Carpenter's ability to create evocative and memorable music.

With a total runtime of 71 minutes, "Complete Ballets" is a comprehensive exploration of Carpenter's ballet music, performed by the Boston Modern Orchestra Project under the direction of Gil Rose. The album is a testament to Carpenter's enduring legacy as a pioneering American composer, and a must-listen for anyone interested in the history of ballet music or the development of American classical music.