Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971)
Russian
The Firebird
Igor Stravinsky was a Russian composer, pianist and conductor. He became internationally famous when his ballet The Firebird was premiered in Paris in 1910. Stravinsky was so proud of his composition that he later made it into an orchestral suite for performance in the concert hall without dancers. Stravinsky's piece is based on a Russian folk tale about a magical glowing bird that Prince Ivan is searching for. The firebird is imprisoned in a castle with a beautiful princess. Ivan rescues the bird and the princess but then his own sister poisons him and the princess. Luckily the firebird flies to the fountain of youth and, with magic water, brings Prince Ivan and his beloved princess back to life. Listen out for the serene horn solo at the beginning then the harps come in. Gradually all of the instruments come in and the piece gets louder and louder. A great finale for a ballet because the audience leave with the music ringing in their ears.
Notation for Beginners:
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Notation for Grades 1 & 2:
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