Composer

:

Igor Stravinsky

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Ballet

Compose Date

:

1944

First Performance

:

Jan 13, 1944

Average_duration

:

3:29

Igor Stravinsky's "Circus Polka, for orchestra (for a young elephant)" was composed in 1942 for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The piece was commissioned by John Ringling North, the circus's owner, as a ballet for 50 elephants and 50 ballerinas. However, due to the logistical difficulties of training so many elephants, the ballet was never performed in its original form. The premiere of "Circus Polka" took place on June 27, 1942, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The ballet was performed by 50 ballerinas dressed in pink tutus and white tights, who danced around a single young elephant named Modoc. The elephant was dressed in a pink tutu and a white headdress, and was led by a trainer. The piece consists of a single movement, a lively polka in 2/4 time. The orchestration is for a large orchestra, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. The music is characterized by its playful and whimsical nature, with a catchy melody and a bouncy rhythm. The use of percussion, including snare drum and cymbals, adds to the festive atmosphere of the piece. Despite its short length (approximately three minutes), "Circus Polka" is a charming and memorable work that showcases Stravinsky's ability to write music that is both sophisticated and accessible. The piece has since become a popular choice for orchestral concerts and has been featured in numerous films and television shows.

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