The Green Table: A Dance of Death in Eight Scenes by Fritz A. Cohen: Toward a Performance without Choreography

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine Fritz A. Cohen’s compositional choices in The Green Table: A Dance of Death in Eight Scenes and provide a comprehensive analysis for the ways that the characters and ballet plot are correlated in support of the work being performed as an independent concert piece. A brief biography of Fritz Cohen, background information on choreographer, Kurt Jooss, an examination of historical and political influences of the time and a framing discussion of Expressionism are also explored in order to provide important context for the musical analyses of the work. An analysis of Cohen’s score reveals strong connections between choreography and the musical score. Four musical themes identified by the author—the Masked Gentlemen, the Soldiers, the Death and the Refugees—provide a foundation for the work. Each theme represents specific ballet characters and often crafts their actions within the narrative of the storylines. The musical devices and techniques employed by Cohen include harmonic and rhythmic treatments, textural and writing in different registers, the use of familiar musical symbolism and the organizing principles of arch form structure. These musical elements make a compelling case for The Green Table: A Dance of Death in Eight Scenes as a work that may be performed as a an independent two-piano concert piece.