This work's cumbersome orchestra led its composer to create three truncated concert suites, whose second section sees a pas de deux bracketed by two pantomimes.
This work's cumbersome orchestra led its composer to create three truncated concert suites, whose second section sees a pas de deux bracketed by two pantomimes. A berceuse featuring a bassoon immediately precedes the finale of this work, which notably employs a chromatic descending motif. Various creatures attempt to disrupt the protagonist's courtship of 13 princesses in its (*) "Dance of the Golden Apples," but are later bewitched by the title figure into performing the "Infernal Dance." The title role was famously turned down by Pavlova and taken by Tamara Karasavina to the delight of Diaghilev, who would go on to collaborate with its composer on Petrushka. This Michel Fokine-choreographed work sees a massive egg destroyed by Prince Ivan, defeating Kaschei the immortal. For 10 points, name this Stravinsky ballet about a mythical burning avian.
This work's cumbersome orchestra led its composer to create three truncated concert suites, whose second section sees a pas de deux bracketed by two pantomimes.
The Firebird or Zhar-ptitsa