Igor Stravinsky Ordre des livres (chronologique)

The narrative follows the tragic and ironic journey of a wealthy heir, who descends into debt, madness, and ultimately death, inspired by a 1947 exhibition of William Hogarth's prints. The libretto by W. H. Auden and C. Kallman weaves together elements from classical pastoral, the Faust legend, fairy tales, circus, and biblical stories. Igor Stravinsky's music brilliantly integrates influences from the operatic canon, creating a unique work that transcends parody or imitation. This opera remains a significant piece of the 20th-century repertoire.

Autorovy přednášky pojednávají o fenoménu hudby, o jejím komponování, o hudební typologii, o proměnách ruské hudby ad.

Von Igor Strawinskys «Trois pièces pour quatuor à cordes» erschien im Druck bisher nur die zweite Fassung von 1918 und eine aus den Jahren 1928/29 stammende Bearbeitung im Rahmen der «Quatre études für Orchester». Die auf das Jahr 1914 zurückgehende erste Fassung der Quartettstücke hingegen blieb ebenso unveröffentlicht wie eine im selben Jahr entstandene «Réduction pour piano à quatre mains». Beide werden hier erstmals zusammen mit sämtlichen bekannten Skizzen zu diesem Werk zugänglich gemacht und in sieben Essays kommentiert.

On Shrove Tuesday, the annual Shrovetide Fair in St. Petersburg features a booth labeled 'Living Theatre.' An old magician appears, playing a haunting tune on his flute, commanding three life-size puppets to dance: the beautiful Ballerina, the powerful Moor, and the limp Petrouchka. As the performance unfolds, the audience senses something deeper than mere puppetry. The dolls, though stiff and seemingly lifeless, evoke emotions that suggest they possess their own lives and passions. Stravinsky's classic ballet has captivated audiences since Vaslav Nijinsky's debut in 1911. Petrouchka, a tragicomic figure from Russian folklore, embodies the essence of a clown—ridiculous yet profoundly human. His heart-wrenching story of longing for freedom resonates with all, making him more than just a puppet. This interpretation of the tale is vividly illustrated by renowned American artist John Collier, while Vivian Werner's lyrical text invites readers of all ages to immerse themselves in one of the most compelling narratives in twentieth-century ballet.