Murder Ballads - Création la Maison

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Justin Peck’s Murder Ballades was commissioned and premiered  by L.A. Dance Project in 2013. Set against a vivid backdrop by  contemporary artist Sterling Ruby, the exuberant work for six dancers  unfolds to Bryce Dessner’s “Murder Ballades” (recorded for L.A. Dance  Project by the American chamber music ensemble Eighth Blackbird).  Inspired by American folk songs of the 1930s and ‘40s, specifically  murder ballades, Dessner synthesized melodies and concepts from these  ballades into a classically-based chamber piece with complex rhythms and  a strong pulse. Though the ballet contains no explicit narrative, Peck  drew upon the lyrics of the original folk songs during his creative  process, the dark hints of which can be gleaned from the  choreography—particularly in the piece’s two duets. Athletic, playful,  and slightly sinister, Murder Ballades is at once a celebration of life and a cautionary tale told through Peck’s buoyant choreography.