1. Ballet Russes Established 1909 by Serge Diaghilev Ballet company of Russian exiles Ballet Realism Immensely popular; responsible for some of the most important works of the 20 th Century Vaslav Nijinsky- Dancer and choreographer. –Began relationship and moved to Paris to be the star of the Ballet Russes

2. Ballet Russes Nijinsky’s choreography created a scandal –Exceeded limitations and traditions of ballet –Caused riots (genuine?)

3. Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun Premiered May 29, 1912 Music by Debussy Choreography by Nijinsky Inspired by Stephane Mallarme’s poem of the same name –Faun’s seduction of and rejection by water nymphs, whom he dreams about in a drunken stupor. Controversy: –First ‘modern’ ballet, rejection of classical ballet –Two dimensional choreography –Overtly sexual content ending in a masturbation scene

4. Igor Stravinsky June 17, 1882- April 6, 1971 1909- Working relationship with Serge Diaghilev –Commissioned arrangements for Ballet Russe –After success, new ballets commissioned: Firebird (1910) Petrushka (1911) Rite of Spring (1913) 1910-Traveled for Firebird premier and relocated to Paris –At this time, wife sick with tuberculosis –Effected Stravinsky and daughter as well

5. Igor Stravinsky June 17, 1882- April 6, 1971 Three Stylistic Periods: The Russian Period The Neo-Classical Period The Serial Period

6. Firebird 1910 ballet composed for Ballet Russe –First original score for Ballet Russe Ballet score different from concert “Suites” which are most often performed Established Stravinsky as a famous composer

7. Rite of Spring Premiered May 29, 1913 at the Théâtre des Champs- Élysées, Paris. Choreography by Vaslav Nijinski –Stravinsky and Nijinski did not work well Depicts Pagan Russia’s selection of the girl whom they will sacrifice to the God of Spring, and the praising of said God. (Act 1) The sacrifice dances herself to death before the eyes of the rest of the Pagan community.

8. Rite of Spring Dancing –Sharp bodily bends –Focus on pelvis –Body curved inward, and down –Heavy steps Many unorthodox treatment of musical elements: –Instrumental range –Harmony –Rhythm

10. Rite of Spring Content, dancing, and music, all focusing on the grotesque, combined with a heightened political atmosphere and focus on scandale: –Rioting! –Booing from initial bassoon solo (‘misuse’) growing with added complication of harmony –Arguments between supporters and objectors resulted in fistfights –Police arrived by intermission

11. Stravinsky Neo-Classical Period –Began around the end of WWI –First major work Pulcinella (1920) –Eventually moved towards smaller ensembles During this time his wife and daughter passed away, moved to L.A. Serialism –Waited until Schoenberg’s death (1951) –Very experimental