Composer

:

Igor Stravinsky

Genre

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1950

Average_duration

:

21:15

Igor Stravinsky's "Le baiser de la fée" (The Fairy's Kiss) is a ballet in four scenes that premiered on November 27, 1928, at the Paris Opera. The ballet is based on Hans Christian Andersen's story "The Ice Maiden" and tells the story of a young man who is kissed by a fairy at birth and becomes obsessed with her throughout his life. The ballet is divided into four movements: "The Fairy's Kiss," "The Bride's Variation," "The Wedding Celebration," and "The Fairy's Return." The first movement introduces the fairy and her kiss, which sets the young man on his lifelong quest. The second movement features the bride, who is caught between the young man's obsession and her own desires. The third movement is a celebration of the wedding, which is interrupted by the fairy's return. The final movement sees the young man reunited with the fairy, who takes him away to her realm. Stravinsky's score for "Le baiser de la fée" is characterized by its use of folk melodies and rhythms, which he weaves into his own unique style. The score is also notable for its use of dissonance and unconventional harmonies, which were controversial at the time of the ballet's premiere. Stravinsky's use of orchestration is also noteworthy, as he employs a large orchestra with a wide range of instruments to create a rich and varied sound. Overall, "Le baiser de la fée" is a complex and challenging work that showcases Stravinsky's unique musical voice. Its premiere was met with mixed reviews, but it has since become a beloved part of the ballet repertoire.

More....