The Firebird was the first of two folklore ballets composed by Igor Stravinsky and commissioned by Sergei Diaghilev and his Ballets Russes (Petrushka followed). The ballet premiered at the Paris Opera in 1910 and elevated the Stravinsky to one of the most influential composers of the 20th century.
The Firebird, one of the most colorful characters in Russian folklore, has golden plumage, eyes like crystals, and just one of her glowing feathers can illuminate a whole room. She has sometimes been portrayed as magical helper who flies the hero out of harm’s way, or in other accounts, she herself is hunted for her highly coveted feathers.
Igor Stravinsky’s ballet “Firebird” tells the story of Prince Ivan, who upon entering the magical realm of the evil magician Kashchei the Immortal, sees and becomes captivated by the beauty of the Firebird. After capturing her, the prince agrees to free her and the grateful bird gives him one of her feathers and her promise to come to his aid if ever he needs her.
That evening Prince Ivan comes upon 13 princesses in a castle courtyard and falls in love with one. The princesses are captives of Kashchei, and in the morning when the women are forced to return to the castle, the prince follows them and is suddenly confronted by Kashchei and his magical creatures. When the magician tries to turn him to stone, Ivan pulls out the feather and summons the Firebird, who true to her word, appears and bewitches the creatures into dancing the “Infernal Dance.”
Exhausted, the creatures and Kashchei fall asleep, but Kashchei awakens unexpectedly and is killed by the Firebird. With the magician dead, his magical creatures and the palace disappear, and the princesses are released from their spell.
Hear Stravinsky’s “Infernal Dance” this Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the Benedict Music Tent. This free concert is part of the Aspen Music Festival and School’s “Day of Music” celebration.
The Score is provided by the Aspen Music Festival and School and appears here daily.
