Composer

:

Igor Stravinsky

Genre

:

Band

Style

:

Band Music

Compose Date

:

1942

First Performance

:

Apr 9, 1942

Average_duration

:

3:36

Igor Stravinsky composed "Circus Polka, for band (for a young elephant)" in 1942. The piece was commissioned by the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus for their new baby elephant, named Modoc. The premiere of the piece took place on April 23, 1942, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, with Modoc performing alongside the circus's human performers. The piece is composed of a single movement, with a duration of approximately three minutes. It is scored for a large wind band, including piccolo, flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, horns, trumpets, trombones, tuba, timpani, percussion, and piano. The instrumentation is typical of Stravinsky's neoclassical style, with a focus on clarity and precision. The "Circus Polka" is a lively and playful piece, with a strong emphasis on rhythm and melody. The opening section features a jaunty, syncopated theme played by the woodwinds, which is then taken up by the brass and percussion. The middle section of the piece features a more lyrical melody, played by the horns and accompanied by a gentle, flowing accompaniment in the woodwinds and strings. The final section returns to the lively, rhythmic theme of the opening, building to a rousing conclusion. Overall, the "Circus Polka" is a charming and whimsical piece of music, perfectly suited to its intended audience of young children and circus-goers. Stravinsky's skillful orchestration and playful melodies capture the spirit of the circus and the joy of watching a young elephant perform.

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