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Friday, January 28, 2011

Piece #28 - Rite of Spring - Igor Stravinsky

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjX3oAwv_Fs&feature=related

Number six on the list is Igor Stravinsky. It is difficult to discuss Stravinsky without a discussion of ballet, which is why Rite of Spring is the selection for today.

Factoids:
  • This piece was HIGHLY controversial in it's day.
    • Originally I thought the controversy was surrounding the innovative use of music, but it seems as though many folks were outraged by the style of dance.
      • It should be noted that many traditional composers hated the opening bassoon solo, and felt it was vulgar and inappropriate.
  • At this time Parisian audiences were used to technically sound performances with rounded angles and perfect body positions.
    • In Rite the intent was to emphasize the raw and rigidity of an ancient ritual.
      • The famous choreographer Vaslav Nijinsky illustrates this by using very abrupt and angular motions throughout the piece.
        • You will notice this at 3:00.
    • Because of this new and rough style, this piece helped create the genre of modern dance.

Enjoy!

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