Description

Shift of Weight – Music for the Graham-Based Modern Dance Class and other Modern Dance Techniques – by David Finkelstein

From the CD:  “Shift of Weight” features piano-based music, with strings, woodwinds, percussion, and other instruments adding color. The music has been carefully composed to follow the meters, tempi, accents, and moods of the Floor and Center exercises most typically given in a Graham-based Modern Dance class. The enclosed 12-page booklet makes it easy to fit typical Graham-style exerices with each track; or to choreograph new exercises. A special feature of “Shift of Weight” is the inclusion of multiple musical versions of the exercises which are commonly done in every class, such as the “bounces,” to provide students with variety and to emphasize different kinetic and expressive qualities of the movement.”

Denise Jefferson, director of the Ailey School, says of Finkelstein’s music:  ” David’s music is more than accompaniment; it offers the teacher a collaborative partner, driven by David’s deep understanding of the Graham technique, its dynamics, complex rhythms and primordial relationship with breath, the life force.”

Denise Vale, former principle dancer with the Martha Graham Dance Company, wrote of Finkelstein’s music: “Sensuous, joyous power intertwined with a delicate sensitivity, David Finkelstein creates through his technical and aesthetic abilities a musical environment that inspires both the teacher and dancer to reach deep within themselves for a more meaningful classroom experience.”

CONTENTS:

Shift of Weight – Music for Graham-based Modern Dance Class
By David Finkelstein

Other Graham based Music
Hidden Language – Percussion & Piano for the Martha Graham Technique
Sacred Garment – Percussion & Piano for the Martha Graham Technique
Contraction – Music to Contemporary Dance Classes