What was the Ballets Russes known for?
The Ballets Russes (French: [balɛ ʁys]) was an itinerant ballet company based in Paris that performed between 1909 and 1929 throughout Europe and on tours to North and South America. It also introduced European and American audiences to tales, music, and design motifs drawn from Russian folklore.
What are Stravinsky’s 3 early ballets?
Stravinsky’s compositional career was notable for its stylistic diversity. He first achieved international fame with three ballets commissioned by the impresario Sergei Diaghilev and first performed in Paris by Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes: The Firebird (1910), Petrushka (1911), and The Rite of Spring (1913).
Who originally choreographed Firebird?
New York City Ballet first presented Firebird in 1949 at City Center, with choreography by George Balanchine, scenery and costumes by the painter Marc Chagall, and Maria Tallchief in the leading role.
What is the story behind the ballet Firebird?
The Firebird ballet tells the story of Prince Ivan who defeats the evil Kastchei with the help of the Firebird, who offers one of her enchanted feathers to Prince Ivan after he spares her life while hunting in the forest.
Who founded the Russian ballet?
impresario Serge Diaghilev
Ballets Russes, ballet company founded in Paris in 1909 by the Russian impresario Serge Diaghilev. The original company included the choreographer Michel Fokine and the dancers Anna Pavlova and Vaslav Nijinsky; the choreographer George Balanchine joined in 1925.
How did ballet get to Russia?
Although ballet may have originated in France and Italy, it was refined in Russia. It arrived in Russia in the 1700s when Peter the Great began replacing traditional Russian folk dances with ballet as part of his Westernised cultural revolution.
Where is Igor Stravinsky from?
Lomonosov, Saint Petersburg, Russia
Igor Stravinsky/Place of birth
What is the nationality of Maurice Ravel?
French
Maurice Ravel/Nationality
Maurice Ravel, in full Joseph-Maurice Ravel, (born March 7, 1875, Ciboure, France—died December 28, 1937, Paris), French composer of Swiss-Basque descent, noted for his musical craftsmanship and perfection of form and style in such works as Boléro (1928), Pavane pour une infante défunte (1899; Pavane for a Dead …
Why was Firebird written?
The Firebird, a ballet based on Russian folklore, premiered in 1910. Its music was written by Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971), then a young unknown Russian composer. The following year, to highlight his second season, Diaghilev wanted a new ballet based on Russian folklore, and he needed someone to write the music.
What does a firebird symbolize?
In Russian folklore, the firebird represents a treasure that is rare and difficult to possess. This is emphasized by descriptions of the bird, which often refer to its golden or glowing feathers and eyes that resemble jewels. The fact that just one of its feathers contains magic suggests the great power of the bird.
What is the melody of the Firebird?
The melody of the dance is actually a traditional Russian folk song that Rimsky-Korsakov also used in his Sinfonietta. This melodic borrowing is just one of many nods Stravinsky would maker to his teacher’s music in The Firebird.