In
“Tragic Exodus,” inspired by the plight of
the Jews under Hitler, I used a baritone voice employing
only vowel sounds. This recalled Hebrew chants, although
no authentic material was used. The piano was plucked,
adding to the sense of history with sounds reminiscent of
the lyre. “They Too Are Exiles” had sections
with a strong ethnic flavor, which presented the problem
of creating a homogeneous musical fabric. This large work
really needed orchestral support, but in 1940 two
pianists at one piano were the principal musical resource
of dancer and composer.
–Vivian Fine, Dance
Perspectives, v. 16 (1963)