Work Overview

• Publication Year: 1950
• First Publisher: Editions Mondia
• Instrumentation: Piano Solo

Written at the commission of Roland Petit, the ballet music La Femme à la Tête de Diamant (Op. 18) is counted among Damase's early representative works. With a solid lineup including choreography by Petit and Alfred Adam, starring Zizi Jeanmaire, set design by Georges Wakhevitch, and costume design contributions from Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Dior, the work premiered on September 25, 1950, at the Théâtre Marigny in Paris by the Ballets de Paris, with the composer himself conducting, and was well-received. The light and elegant music, befitting a thrilling plot that interweaves romance and action with a female thief as the protagonist, showcases Damase's youthful wit to the fullest. At that time, Petit had resigned from his official position at the Opéra and begun independent activities. The fact that the 22-year-old Damase was chosen as the composer for this new work, over many formidable competitors, in a situation where commercial failure was not an option, is testament to the prodigious momentum of the emerging Damase. The chanson sung by Jeanmaire in the play (lyrics by Raymond Queneau) also became a hit.

From the ballet music, Damase himself arranged an orchestral suite, instrumental pieces, and chansons, which were published by Editions Mondia. Valse à 5 temps (Waltz in 5/4) is a light, two-page miniature. It is in 5/4 time, G major, marked "Sans Lenteur" (without slowness). Although in 5/4, it is effectively a conventional compound meter of 3/4 and 2/4, making it feel natural and unawkward as a waltz. It develops with large undulations, corresponding to a gradual ascent and descent in range, and unfolds with an improvisational flavor through stylish modulations. It reveals Damase's unpretentious side in a good, popular sense. There is also an LP recording by the composer himself (Decca). In later years, Damase acquired the image of a composer of refined pure music, but in reality, he was an all-round composer, capable of writing with both rigor and flexibility.