Composer

:

Igor Stravinsky

Genre

:

Ballet

Style

:

Ballet

Compose Date

:

1936

First Performance

:

Apr 27, 1937

Average_duration

:

22:49

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Jeu de cartes is a ballet composed by Igor Stravinsky in 1936. The plot of the ballet revolves around a game of cards, with the three movements representing the three rounds of the game. The first movement is a "dealing" round, the second is a "playing" round, and the third is a "winning" round. The ballet premiered on April 27, 1937, at the Théâtre Sarah Bernhardt in Paris, with choreography by George Balanchine. The music is scored for a large orchestra, with prominent use of percussion and brass instruments. The first movement begins with a lively and rhythmic introduction, followed by a series of variations on a theme. The music becomes increasingly complex as the "dealing" round progresses, with the orchestra building to a frenzied climax. The second movement is more subdued, with a slower tempo and a more contemplative mood. The music is characterized by a series of solos and duets, with the dancers moving in a more fluid and graceful manner. The third movement is the most dramatic of the three, with the music building to a triumphant conclusion. The dancers move in a more energetic and dynamic manner, with the choreography reflecting the excitement and tension of the "winning" round. Overall, Jeu de cartes is a highly rhythmic and energetic ballet, with Stravinsky's music perfectly complementing Balanchine's choreography. The ballet is a testament to the enduring collaboration between these two great artists, and remains a popular work in the ballet repertoire to this day.

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