Composer

:

Igor Stravinsky

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1947

Average_duration

:

3:16

Igor Stravinsky's "Ballad" is a transcription of a piece from his ballet "The Fairy's Kiss," which was composed in 1928. The ballet was based on the story of "The Ice Maiden" by Hans Christian Andersen and premiered in Paris in 1934. The "Ballad" is the second movement of the ballet and is a solo for the violin. The "Ballad" is a hauntingly beautiful piece that showcases Stravinsky's skill as a composer. It is a slow, melancholic piece that is full of emotion. The violin solo is accompanied by a simple piano accompaniment that adds to the overall feeling of the piece. The "Ballad" is characterized by its use of dissonance and chromaticism. Stravinsky uses these techniques to create a sense of tension and unease in the piece. The violin solo is full of long, sustained notes that are often played with a lot of vibrato, which adds to the emotional intensity of the piece. The "Ballad" is a challenging piece to play, both technically and emotionally. It requires a skilled violinist who can convey the emotion of the piece through their playing. The piano accompaniment is also challenging, as it must be played with precision and sensitivity to the violin solo. Overall, the "Ballad" is a beautiful and haunting piece that showcases Stravinsky's skill as a composer. It is a challenging piece to play, but when performed well, it can be a truly moving experience for both the performer and the audience.

More....