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Music In Motion: Interpreting Musical Structure Through Choreography In Gershwin’S "An American In Paris", Spencer Reese

Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation explores the relationship between the theoretic interpretation of music (through analysis of a score) and the kinesthetic interpretation of it (through dance). While compelling choreography often evokes the same expressive qualities as a score, music and dance each have expressive and structural components. This study examines how formal elements of a musical score are embodied in choreographic interpretation.

Gershwin’s symphonic poem An American in Paris, conceived as concert music, was almost immediately interpreted in dance. It also inspired larger narrative works, including a film choreographed by Gene Kelly and a musical helmed by Christopher Wheeldon.

Gershwin’s life …