Composer

:

Igor Stravinsky

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Suite

Compose Date

:

1920

First Performance

:

Jul 20, 1920

Average_duration

:

25:16

Movement_count

:

10

Movement ....

Igor Stravinsky's "L'Histoire du Soldat" is a concert suite for seven instruments that was composed in 1918. The piece was premiered in Lausanne, Switzerland on September 28, 1918. The suite is based on a Russian folk tale about a soldier who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for a magic book that can predict the future. The suite is divided into eight movements, each with its own unique character and style. The first movement, "Marche du Soldat," is a lively and rhythmic march that sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The second movement, "Le Violon du Soldat," features a solo violin that represents the soldier's soul. The third movement, "Petit Concert," is a playful and lighthearted interlude that features the clarinet, bassoon, and trumpet. The fourth movement, "Tango," is a sultry and seductive dance that represents the devil's temptation of the soldier. The fifth movement, "Danse de la Fiancée," is a graceful and elegant dance that represents the soldier's love for his fiancée. The sixth movement, "Danse du Diable," is a frenzied and chaotic dance that represents the devil's triumph over the soldier. The seventh movement, "Grand Choral," is a majestic and triumphant piece that represents the soldier's redemption and salvation. The final movement, "Marche Triomphale du Diable," is a dark and ominous march that represents the devil's final victory over the soldier. Overall, "L'Histoire du Soldat" is a complex and multi-layered piece that combines elements of folk music, jazz, and classical music. The suite is characterized by its use of unusual rhythms, dissonant harmonies, and unconventional instrumentation. It is a testament to Stravinsky's innovative and groundbreaking approach to music composition.

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