Composer

:

Igor Stravinsky

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Berceuse / Cradle Song

Compose Date

:

1933

Average_duration

:

3:06

Igor Stravinsky's "Berceuse (after L'Oiseau de Feu, transcribed by Stravinsky & Dushkin)" is a piece for solo piano that was composed in 1922. It was premiered on May 18, 1922, in Paris, France, by pianist Marcelle Meyer. The piece is a transcription of the "Berceuse" from Stravinsky's ballet "L'Oiseau de Feu" (The Firebird), which was composed in 1910. The transcription was made by Stravinsky himself, along with violinist Samuel Dushkin. The transcription was intended to be played by two performers, with the violin playing the original melody and the piano providing accompaniment. However, the piano part can also be played as a solo piece. The "Berceuse" is the third movement of "L'Oiseau de Feu" and is a lullaby that is sung by the Firebird to the captive Prince Ivan. The transcription for piano retains the dreamy, ethereal quality of the original, with a delicate melody that is accompanied by gentle, flowing arpeggios in the piano. The piece is characterized by its use of impressionistic harmonies and textures, which create a sense of otherworldliness and mystery. The melody is simple and repetitive, with a hypnotic quality that is enhanced by the gentle, rocking rhythm of the accompaniment. Overall, "Berceuse (after L'Oiseau de Feu, transcribed by Stravinsky & Dushkin)" is a beautiful and haunting piece that showcases Stravinsky's skill as a composer and arranger. Its dreamy, impressionistic quality makes it a popular choice for pianists and audiences alike.

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