Igor Stravinsky Libros

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.

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 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.