Alwin Nikolais
Alwin Nikolais (November 25, 1910 in Southington, Connecticut – May 8, 1993) was an American choreographer.
Life
Nikolais studied piano at an early age and began his performing career as an organist accompanying silent films. As a young artist, he gained skills in scenic design, acting, puppetry and music composition. It was after attending a performance by the German dancer Mary Wigman that he was inspired to study dance. He received his early dance training at Bennington College from the great figures of the modern dance world: Hanya Holm, Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey, Charles Weidman, Louis Horst, and others.
In 1940, in collaboration with Truda Kaschmann, his first modern dance teacher, Nikolais received a commission to create Eight Column Line, his first ballet. The work was presented at one of the events of Hartford social season that counted Salvador Dalí and Léonide Massine as honorary patrons and was well received.
Podcasts:
Alwin Nikolais
ALBUMS
- Gay American Composers, Volume 2 released:
Gay American Composers, Volume 2
- Aeolian Harp
- The Banshee
- The Lilt of the Reel
- Ulysses At The Edge Of The World
- Excursions for Piano: I. Un poco allegro
- Excursions for Piano: II. In slow blues tempo
- Excursions for Piano: III. Allegretto
- Excursions for Piano: IV. Allegro molto
- Concerto for Piano and Orchestra: I. Moderato molto
- Sonata for Violin and Piano: I. Moderate tempo
- Symphony No. 3: I. Allegro moderato
- Symphony No. 3: II. Tempo di valzer
- String Quartet No.2, Op. 35
- Ryoanji
- Frail Demons: Dance 1
- Tribe: Dance 2
- Sonatas and Interludes for Prepared Piano: Sonata XIII
Died: 1993-05-08
