Composer

:

Eduard Tubin

Genre

:

Ballet

Style

:

Ballet

Compose Date

:

1938 - 1940

First Performance

:

Mar 31, 1943

Average_duration

:

91:32

"Kratt" is a ballet composed by Eduard Tubin in 1961. The ballet is based on Estonian folklore and tells the story of a young man who creates a magical creature, a Kratt, to help him with his farm work. However, the Kratt becomes greedy and starts causing chaos in the village, leading to the young man's downfall. The ballet is divided into three movements. The first movement, "The Creation of the Kratt," introduces the main character and his struggles with farm work. He decides to create a Kratt, a creature made of hay and sticks, to help him. The Kratt comes to life and starts working for the young man, but it soon becomes greedy and starts demanding more and more. The second movement, "The Kratt's Demands," shows the Kratt causing chaos in the village. It demands food and money from the villagers, and when they refuse, it starts stealing and causing destruction. The young man tries to control the Kratt, but it becomes too powerful for him to handle. The third movement, "The Young Man's Downfall," shows the consequences of the young man's actions. The Kratt turns on him and reveals that it was created by the devil. The young man is left alone and ruined, while the Kratt disappears into the night. "Kratt" premiered on May 12, 1961, at the Estonian National Opera in Tallinn, Estonia. The ballet is known for its use of Estonian folk music and its dark, eerie atmosphere. Tubin's score is characterized by its use of dissonance and unconventional harmonies, which add to the unsettling mood of the ballet. Overall, "Kratt" is a haunting and powerful ballet that explores themes of greed, temptation, and the consequences of one's actions. Its unique blend of folklore and modernist music make it a standout work in the ballet repertoire.

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