Trenton, 8 July 1900 - New York City, 12 February 1959

"Time is the canvas of music, far more than the planes of tonality, atonality or even no tonality at all."
George Antheil, 1950

In 1925, George Antheil created the Ballet mécanique — "Ballet pour Instruments Mécaniques et Percussion" — an extraordinary work for 16 pianolas and percussion ensemble, which caused a huge scandal at its premiere in Paris. The "Bad Boy of Music" wrote for the piano throughout his entire life. A fascinating document is his own recording of his "Valentine Waltzes" from 1949. This is the only surviving piano recording by the composer himself.

Check out the PIANOVERSAL listening tips with music by George Antheil.

 PIANOVERSAL listening tips: George Antheil

Interview with George Antheil about his life as a composer and pianist
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(from the album "Antheil plays Antheil", 2000, Label: Other Minds)

Valentine Waltzes (1949)
George Antheil, piano
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(from the album "Antheil plays Antheil", 2000, Label: Other Minds)

Ballet Mécanique (1923-25; rev. 1952-53)
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Video: pianist Guy Livingston talks about the Ballet Mécanique

Ballet Mécanique (1923-25; rev. 1952-53)
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Ictus Ensemble; 1924. Edited version. Opéra de Lille, December 2012, Georges-Elie Octors (cond.) Rosenblatt, De Cock, Bernat : xylophones | Quadruple bass drum : Gerrit Nulens; MIDI files and recommendations by Paul Lehrman

All information about the complex history of the Ballet Mécanique can be found on the website curated by Paul D. Lehrman:
http://www.antheil.org

Jazz-Sonata (1923)
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Keith Kirchhoff, piano (live recording)

Antheil's works with piano are listed in the PIANOVERSALRegister.

George Antheil: Composer of the Week No. 7 / February 2018