Composer

:

Paul Dukas

Genre

:

Ballet

Style

:

Ballet

Compose Date

:

1911 - 1912

First Performance

:

Apr 22, 1912

Average_duration

:

18:47

La Péri is a ballet composed by Paul Dukas in 1911. The plot of the ballet revolves around a young man named Iskender who is in search of the flower of immortality. He is guided by a Péri, a supernatural being from Persian mythology, who promises to lead him to the flower if he can prove his worthiness by passing a series of tests. The ballet is divided into three movements. The first movement, titled "Fanfare," is a grand and majestic introduction that sets the stage for the story to come. The second movement, "The Enchanted Garden," is where Iskender encounters the Péri and begins his quest. The music is lush and romantic, with a sense of wonder and magic. The final movement, "The Triumph of Iskender," is a triumphant and celebratory conclusion to the story, as Iskender proves his worthiness and is rewarded with the flower of immortality. One of the most notable characteristics of La Péri is its use of exoticism and orientalism. Dukas was heavily influenced by the music of the Middle East and India, and this is reflected in the use of exotic scales and rhythms throughout the ballet. The Péri herself is also a symbol of orientalism, as she is a supernatural being from Persian mythology. La Péri premiered on April 22, 1912, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. The ballet was choreographed by Ivan Clustine and starred the famous ballerina Tamara Karsavina as the Péri. The ballet was a critical and commercial success, and it remains one of Dukas's most popular works. Overall, La Péri is a beautiful and enchanting ballet that showcases Dukas's skill as a composer and his fascination with exoticism and orientalism. Its timeless story and lush music continue to captivate audiences to this day.

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