The Rite of Spring

2nd movement

By Igor Stravinsky Performed by the London Symphony Orchestra

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How do you think people would respond to a ballet that uses this music and these costumes and choreography in the year 1913?

The Premiere: May 29, 1913

Performed by the Russian Balletchoreographed by Nijinsky A complete riot- shouting, fist-fights, chairthrowing The story behind the work: Based on the story of an adolescent girl who dances herself to death during a sacred pagan ritual to the god of Spring Subtitle of piece:Pictures from Pagan Russia

Instrumentation and Musicality

Stravinsky wrote a score that violated sacred musical traditionlacked melody, harmony and regular rhythm. -Twentieth century music - Serialism /12 tones very loud.

Piece begins with a bassoon that was played in an unconventional way for that time

Nijinskys Choreography
No presence of classical ballet positions or movements Jarring movements- stomping or jumping on two feet Basic position of dancers -hunched towards the ground, feet turned inward with great exaggeration, knees bent, arms tucked in, and head turned in profile as the body faced forward. Bare, exposed legs

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Igor Stravinsky

Stravinsky (1882-1971)
One of the most important and influential composers of 20th century music
Conductor, pianist In 1940, only living composer whose music was in Fantasia- creation