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THE FIREBIRD PREMIERE
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The Firebird became one of the most regularly performed ballets in the repertoire of the Russian Ballet and was always praised for its marvellous synthesis of music, choreography and scenery. The specially commissioned score by the Russian composer, Igor Stravinsky, was the first work by this composer to be heard outside Russia. A French critic stated at the time - 'as one listens, there issues forth the very sound of the wizard shrieking, of swarming sorcerers and gnomes running amok'. The ballet was set
in an overgrown garden at the base of the wicked Koshchei's palace.
The extraordinary decor was painted in the Symbolist tradition with
minute jewel-like patterns and soft colours merging together, creating
the illusion of a fantastic kingdom. |
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