By the time Stravinsky completed his second orchestral arrangement of The Firebird in 1919, he had already established himself as a master of stage music. Originally performed in 1910 by Serge Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes in Paris, the work inspired Stravinsky to compose three orchestral suites, each with different content and duration. The 1919 version reduces the score to four pairs of woodwinds to match the standard size of an orchestra.
The Firebird tells the story of Prince Ivan Tsarevich who embarks on a long quest and ultimately captures a mythical creature with feathers that sparkle like flames. In exchange for her freedom, the Firebird agrees to help Ivan free the thirteen princesses held captive by the sorcerer Kashchei the Immortal.
Stravinsky’s affinity for this Russian folk tale stems partly from his deep respect for his teacher, Rimsky-Korsakov, who shared a strong interest in Russia’s folk traditions and to whom Stravinsky dedicated the original work.
The introduction opens with a menacing semitone motif played pizzicato* by the violas, cellos and basses. Evoking the image of Ivan hiding in the bushes, the motif foreshadows the chromaticism of the bird’s dance theme, introduced by the flute and piccolo moments before its capture.
The next movement, the “The Princesses’ Khorovod,” features a lilting, elegant melody interwoven with motifs that symbolize the grace and refinement of the princesses. The following movement, “The Infernal Dance of King Kashchei,” introduces a sharp contrast in volume, rhythm and instrumentation. Now it’s the brass and percussion’s turn to take centre stage, dazzling with their vibrant sound.
The “Lullaby” evokes a dream suspended in time, capturing the moment when Ivan, on the brink of being turned to stone by the sorcerer, is miraculously saved by the Firebird. Using her magic, she plunges Kashchei and his men into a deep sleep.
The “Finale” dispels all danger with a lyrical horn solo, serving as an ode to freedom regained and the love that will forever unite Ivan and one of the princesses, Vasilisa the Beautiful, as tsar and tsarina.
