Igor Stravinsky Livres

During the exterior shooting of her film The plaint of the empress Pina Bausch was told that the lead dancer performing the role of the sacrificial victim in The rite of spring had fallen ill. The performance was scheduled for the following evening so Pina Bausch called off the filming and immediately organized a rehearsal in order to prepare Kyomi Ichida for the role. Some of the film crew also came to the rehearsal room. Recognizing an opportunity, they began to film the rehearsal, which was already underway.

This collection showcases 14 piano pieces by Igor Stravinsky, catering to both intermediate and advanced pianists. It features a variety of works, including "Chant du Rossignol," "Four Etudes," and "Sonata," alongside pieces inspired by other composers, like "Fragment des symphonies pour instruments a vent a la memoire de Achille-Claude Debussy." The anthology encompasses diverse styles, from the playful "Piano Rag-Music" to the evocative "Trois mouvements de Petrouchka," making it a versatile addition to any pianist's repertoire.

The collection features three significant works by Stravinsky, showcasing his innovative style. The Pulcinella Suite, revised in 1949, offers a playful reinterpretation of classical themes. Apollon Musagete, revised in 1947, reflects a neoclassical elegance and explores the theme of beauty. Le Baiser de la Fee, revised in 1950, combines lyrical melodies with rich orchestration, creating a captivating narrative. These revisions highlight Stravinsky's evolving artistry and contribute to his legacy in the music world.

One of the greatest of contemporary composers has here set down in delightfully personal fashion his general ideas about music and some accounts of his own experience as a composer. Every concert-goer and lover of music will take keen pleasure in his notes about the essential features of music, the process of musical composition, inspiration, musical types, and musical execution. Throughout the volume are to he found trenchant comments on such subjects as Wagnerism, the operas of Verdi, musical taste, musical snobbery, the influence of political ideas on Russian music under the Soviets, musical improvisation as opposed to musical construction, the nature of melody, and the function of the critic of music. Musical people of every sort will welcome this first presentation in English of an unusually interesting book.

The autobiography explores the first fifty years of Stravinsky's life, revealing his candid opinions and strong dislikes on various subjects. He expresses disdain for a Parsifal performance at Bayreuth, critiques Nijinsky's musical knowledge, and finds Spanish folk music tedious. Through these reflections, the book provides insight into Stravinsky's personality and his views on art and culture, showcasing his unique perspective as a prominent composer.