This piece was originally written in 1924 by the American composer George Antheil (1900-1959) as a musical accompaniment to the film of the same name by Dudley Murphy and Fernand Léger. This version was realized at the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. on March 12 2006 with the music edited and programmed by Paul D. Lehrman.

Say what you will about her sometimes chalkboard screechy voice, she’s undeniably mesmerizing to watch as she effortlessly sings while plucking away madly on the harp. This is a particularly inspired performance of Sawdust and Diamonds…which is almost a 10 minute song. I can only imagine the strength of her disciplined little Elf hands could easily crush diamonds into sawdust…

Joanna Newsom- DragCity Website