description The Rite of Spring Overview
Stravinsky’s *The Rite of Spring*, premiered in 1913, caused an immediate and riotous public reaction due to its dissonant music and shocking, primal choreography depicting pagan rituals in Russia.
help The Rite of Spring FAQ
Why did the 1913 premiere of The Rite of Spring cause such a scandal in Paris?
The premiere took place on May 29, 1913, at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées with Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes. Audiences reacted sharply to Igor Stravinsky's dissonant score, Vaslav Nijinsky's stamping choreography, and Nicholas Roerich's pagan Russian scenario.
Who actually choreographed the original Rite of Spring ballet?
The original choreography was by Vaslav Nijinsky, not Stravinsky. Stravinsky composed the score, while Nicholas Roerich helped shape the ritual subject and designed the original costumes and sets.
What is the story of The Rite of Spring supposed to be?
The ballet depicts a pagan spring ritual in ancient Russia. Its second part builds toward the Chosen One dancing herself to death as a sacrifice to renew the earth.
Is The Rite of Spring more often seen as a ballet or heard as a concert work now?
It is performed very often as an orchestral concert work, even though it was created for ballet. Major orchestras program the 1913 score because of its rhythmic force, huge percussion writing, and famous opening bassoon solo.
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