Monteverdi Wedding Cantata Handel's Messiah Thomas Morley Antonio Vivaldi Festino of Banchieri A New Song 1492 Play of Daniel Isabella d'Este Les Eléments

EARLY MUSIC TELEVISION FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA presents Les Eléments Les Eléments, composed in 1737 and 1738 by Jean-Féry Rebel (1666-1747), is known as a Choreographed Symphony, a genre popular in France during the early 18th century. A shocking and highly dissonant opening movement entitled "Le Cahos," depicts the seven days of creation, beginning with chaos. The four elements then appear as characters portrayed by dancers: Earth, Water, Air and Fire. Amour then appears to call the elements together, to bring them under her spell, and to lead them in dancing a final Caprice. Musical Director Cecil Adkins, Professor of Musicology at the University of North Texas, explains the historical context of the music; and Choreographer Catherine Turocy, Artistic Director of the New York Baroque Dance Company, discusses the cultural context of the dance. The baroque orchestra, "Les Petits Violons," is led by concertmaster Madeline Adkins. Produced and Directed by Eugene Enrico. Color, VHS videocassette, 29:30