Composer

:

Rodion Shchedrin

Genre

:

Ballet

Style

:

Ballet

Compose Date

:

1956

The Humpbacked Horse is a ballet composed by Rodion Shchedrin in 1960. The plot is based on a Russian fairy tale about a peasant boy named Ivan who receives a magical horse with a hump on its back. The horse helps Ivan win the hand of a princess and defeat an evil sorcerer. The ballet premiered on November 16, 1960, at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, with choreography by Alexander Radunsky. It was an instant success and has since become a beloved classic of the Russian ballet repertoire. The ballet is divided into three acts and features a variety of movements, including solos, duets, and ensemble pieces. The music is characterized by its use of traditional Russian folk melodies and rhythms, as well as Shchedrin's own unique style, which blends elements of classical and modern music. One of the most memorable scenes in the ballet is the "Dance of the Horses," in which the magical horse and its offspring perform a lively and energetic dance. Another standout moment is the "Wedding Scene," in which Ivan and the princess are married in a grand ceremony, accompanied by a beautiful waltz. Overall, The Humpbacked Horse is a charming and whimsical ballet that showcases the beauty and grace of Russian dance and music. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and the enduring power of fairy tales to capture the imagination of audiences of all ages.

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