Although similarities to Lithuanian folk songs are found throughout the score, only the opening bassoon melody is an actual folk tune.
Its composer suggested that its opening solo be transposed upward a half-step every decade in order to preserve the sense of strain. Written in two parts, with constantly changing rhythms and meters, its first part contains the "Game of the Rival Cities" and ends with the "Dance of the Earth." Although similarities to Lithuanian folk songs are found throughout the score, only the opening bassoon melody is an actual folk tune. A riot broke out at the Paris premiere of, for 10 points, what Igor Stravinsky ballet that ends with the sacrifice of a virgin?
Its composer suggested that its opening solo be transposed upward a half-step every decade in order to preserve the sense of strain.
The {Rite} of {Spring} [or Le {Sacre du printemps}; or {Vesna svyashchennaya}]