Composer

:

Igor Stravinsky

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1916

First Performance

:

May 18, 1922

Average_duration

:

14:50

Movement_count

:

12

Movement ....

Renard is an opera-ballet composed by Igor Stravinsky in 1916. The libretto was written by the Russian poet and playwright, Sergei Diaghilev. The opera is based on a Russian folk tale about a fox named Renard who tries to outsmart a group of farm animals. The plot of the opera is centered around the character of Renard, who is a cunning and sly fox. He tries to steal food from a group of farm animals, including a rooster, a cat, and a goat. However, the animals are not easily fooled and they manage to catch Renard in the end. The opera is a satirical commentary on the Russian society of the time, with the animals representing different social classes and the fox representing the corrupt and deceitful ruling class. Renard was composed during Stravinsky's neoclassical period, which was characterized by a return to classical forms and structures. The music of the opera is heavily influenced by Russian folk music, with elements of jazz and ragtime also present. The score is written for a small ensemble of instruments, including a clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, percussion, and strings. The premiere of Renard took place in Paris on May 18, 1922, as part of a ballet production by Diaghilev's Ballets Russes. The production was choreographed by Bronislava Nijinska and featured sets and costumes by the artist Mikhail Larionov. The opera was well-received by audiences and critics alike, with many praising Stravinsky's innovative use of rhythm and melody. Renard is divided into four movements, each of which corresponds to a different scene in the story. The first movement, titled "Introduction," sets the stage for the opera and introduces the main characters. The second movement, "The Cat's Dance," features a lively dance sequence performed by the cat. The third movement, "The Rooster's Dance," is a virtuosic solo for the rooster. The final movement, "The Epilogue," brings the story to a close and features a reprise of the opening theme. Overall, Renard is a playful and satirical work that showcases Stravinsky's mastery of rhythm and melody. The opera remains a popular choice for ballet companies and opera houses around the world, and its influence can be heard in the works of many contemporary composers.

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