Music: Paul Hindemith (Theme with four variations,
1940, for string orchestra and piano, commissioned by George Balanchine).
Choreography: George Balanchine.
Set, costumes: Kurt Seligmann.
Lighting: Jean Rosenthal.
Premiere: November 20, 1946, by the Ballet Society at the Central High School of Needle Trades (New York).
Dancers at the premiere:
Theme:
1- Beatrice Tompkins, Jose Martinez
2- Elise Reiman, Lew Christensen
3- Gisella Caccialanza, Francisco Moncion
Melancholic: William Dollar, Georgia Hiden, Rita Karlin + 4 dancers
Sanguinic: Mary Ellen Moylan, Fred Danieli + 4 dancers
Phlegmatic: Todd Bolender + 4 dancers
Choleric: Tanaquil LeClercq.
Note: it has been danced in practice clothes without scenery since 1951.
In the repertoire of the Paris Opera Ballet.