ISBN 9780825891113. 9 x 12 inches.
On May 29, 1913, an over-capacity audience in Paris Thetre des Champs-Elysees witnessed an historical spectacle as they became a brute catalyst in the most (in)famous opening night of the twentieth century. The Rite of Spring premiered that evening in the midst of a riot inspired by the overwhelming primitivism both onstage and in the score. One-hundred plus years later, the music still incites the senses. The ballet was first published in 1914 in a reduction for two pianos, and serves as a basis for this arrangement. This edition is presented in honor of the centennial of the ballets premiere, and is intended to give soloists and accompanists a chance to perform this monumental work.
On May 29, 1913, an over-capacity audience in Paris Thetre des Champs-Elysees witnessed an historical spectacle as they became a brute catalyst in the most (in)famous opening night of the twentieth century. The Rite of Spring premiered that evening in the midst of a riot inspired by the overwhelming primitivism both onstage and in the score. Subtitled Pictures of Pagan Russia, the ancient scenes were evoked using contemporary musical innovations, shattering expectations of a more traditional Ballet Russe production. How was an ancient ritual of sacrifice to the earth to be scored? The unevolved pesante character of a village gathering was portrayed by odd time signatures and accents. Melodies were geometrically woven as dissonant pastorales with grace-notes mimicking guttural breaks in primal voices. Instruments were orchestrated against the grain, straining sounds into unrecognizable timbres. And just like the dancers on stage, musicians were organized into alternating groups often clashing with one another. One-hundred plus years later, the music still incites the senses. The ballet was first published in 1914 in a reduction for two pianos, and serves as a basis for this arrangement. This edition is presented in honor of the centennial of the ballets premiere, and is intended to give soloists and accompanists a chance to perform this monumental work. Both movements may be played alone, and the first movement may also serve as a solo piece.
