Composer

:

Igor Stravinsky

Genre

:

Ballet

Style

:

Ballet

Compose Date

:

1947

Average_duration

:

34:06

Movement_count

:

15

Movement ....

Petrushka is a ballet composed by Igor Stravinsky in 1911. The ballet tells the story of a puppet named Petrushka who comes to life and falls in love with a ballerina. However, he is unable to win her heart and is eventually killed by the Moor, another puppet who is also in love with the ballerina. In 1947, Stravinsky revised the score for Petrushka, making several changes to the orchestration and adding new sections. The revised version premiered in New York City on April 14, 1947, with George Balanchine as the choreographer. The ballet is divided into four movements. The first movement, "The Shrovetide Fair," introduces the setting of the ballet, a fair in St. Petersburg. The second movement, "Petrushka's Room," introduces the character of Petrushka and his love for the ballerina. The third movement, "The Moor's Room," introduces the Moor and his love for the ballerina. The final movement, "The Shrovetide Fair (Evening)," features a confrontation between Petrushka and the Moor, which ultimately leads to Petrushka's death. One of the characteristics of Petrushka is its use of folk melodies and rhythms. Stravinsky was inspired by Russian folk music and incorporated elements of it into the score. The ballet also features a large orchestra, including unusual instruments such as the celesta and the Russian folk instrument, the balalaika. Another characteristic of Petrushka is its use of dissonance and polytonality. Stravinsky was known for his use of these techniques, which were controversial at the time. The revised version of Petrushka features even more dissonance and polytonality than the original. Overall, Petrushka is a complex and innovative ballet that showcases Stravinsky's unique style and musical genius. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and artistic significance.

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