Axis. Duet (2017)
This duest is inspired in part by British playwright Sara Kane's play 4.48 Psychosis, and in part by concepts from Laban Movement Analysis. Axis shares micro-scenes, as a collection of interactions between two women that experience unconditional, unrequited, lost or reciprocal love. The musical foundation for this duet is selections from Mikrokosmos by Hungarian composer Béla Bartók.
Nostalgia, Sexuality and Politics. Trio (2016)
It is a piece inspired in the work of Federico Fellini, Italian distinctive filmmaker after WWII. Comic and absurd situations with exaggerated characters evoking childhood memories, and indulgent fantasies are explored through movement and text.
Explicit Improvisation. Quartet (2016)
An improvised performance, featuring Jon Ailabouni (trumpet), Jane Hawley (dance), JJ Kaufmann (piano), and Andrea Vazquez Aguirre (dance). This quartet composes through a dialogue of music and dance. Witness movement and sound informing, influencing and interacting
in the hands of four artists striving for fearless connection.
Soul History. Solo (2015). Choreography: Andrea Vazquez
The inspiration of this solo is rooted in Archetypal Psychology, a school develop by American psychologist, James Hillman. Although trained in the Jungian psychology tradition, Hillman’s theory was a radical departure from it. He focused on critical human experiences as potential sources of wisdom. Imagination, fantasies, dreams, an antidote to the everyday discourse, were paramount to him.
At The Ready. Septet (2015). Choreography: Jenny Showalter
Bach Plus Ravel: Dreamscapes. Trio, Quintet or Septet (2014)
All of us, no matter how successful or sane, we are deemed by society, have strong personal mythologies of self-image aspiration, grief, joy, terror, community, and sense of purpose. Dreamscapes is a world where these mythologies are illuminated and celebrated. The piece is choreographed to songs and solo piano music by Maurice Ravel. Performed by James J. Kaufmann and Hannah Baslee.
The Stuff of Enchantment*. Quartet (2014)
A sharing of poetry, live music, improvised and choreographed dance. Poetry of Maya Angelou, Lucille Clifton, Don Marquis, Kahlil Gibran and others.
Musicians: J. J. Kaufmann and David Rodriguez. Composers: J. S. Bach, J. J. Kaufmann
*title comes from "archy and mehitabel" by Don Marquis.
Sour Patch Ladies. Trio (2014)
This piece is a celebration of a long and loving friendship that provides free-flowing companionship, shared fun, delightful comraderie and someone to share life’s sweet and sour moments. Music: My Baby, by O.Kaplan T. Muskat, and T. Yosef.
Bach Plus Brahms. Quartet (2014)
This was the first recital in a series we are calling "Bach Plus." Each recital will feature the music of J. S. Bach and one other composer. In the course of the series, James J. Kaufmann will perform all of The Well Tempered Clavier, Book II. The next recitals will feature Ravel, Beethoven, Bartok, and Chopin, and possibly a jazz composer such as Wayne Shorter are in the plans for future “Bach Plus” recitals. The first four preludes and fugues were choreographed for the first of these recitals and can be performed separately.
Running for Safety. Trio (2014)
This piece is a tribute to innocent civilians that have been killed and exiled during the Syrian crisis. Music: Aria in G major, Goldberg Variations by J.S. Bach performed by James J. Kaufmann and soundtrack of amateur video showing violent explosions and clashes near Damascus.
Postmodern Alice: Tales of a Journey. Series of solos and Quintet (2014)
This series of solos is inspired by Alice, the character created by Lewis Carrol. The pieces aim to portray a woman at different stages that is not just trying to figure out the direction of her life, but also attempting to determine who she is and what constitutes her identity in a world that actively challenges one’s perspective and sense of self. Music is organized in structures that include improvisation.
Duet for One Voice. Solo (2014)
This piece includes a kinestetic recitation of the poem, “Duet for One Voice” by Linda Pastan, The solo is a journey into the soul of a daughter that knows that the death of her mother is imminent. Music: Intermezzo in A minor by Brahms performed by James J. Kaufmann
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