Firebird

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In Slavic mythology and folkore, the Firebird (Russian: Жар-птица) is a magical and prophetic glowing bird from a faraway land, whose feathers convey beauty and protection upon the earth. The Firebird is described as a large bird with majestic plumage that glows brightly emitting red, orange, and yellow light, like a bonfire that is just past the turbulent flame. The feathers do not cease to glow, even once removed. 

The Repression of Icons Birthed Palekh Miniatures and Led ...
Firebird by Lev Lominago

The Firebird ballet is based on this legend and was composed by Igor Stravinsky. It was first performed in Paris in 1910 and was the first international success of the composer's career. Interestingly, although the commission to write the ballet elevated Stravinsky to international renown, he was offered the commission for the newly formed Ballets Russes only after several prominent Russian composers had already rejected it. With the premiere at the Paris Opera quickly approaching, Sergey Dyagilev, the grand impresario of the Ballets Russes, selected the inexperienced Stravinsky (who was then only 27 years old), on the basis of his early orchestral works. 

Listen to it here as performed by Yuri Simonov and the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra:



Watch the ballet here:

The story

The heroic Ivan Tsarevich must rescue the princess he loves from the evil sorcerer Kashchei. It is only through the intervention of the Firebird, whose life he spares early in the ballet, than Ivan is able to destroy Kashchei and his followers and marry the princess. The folk origins of the story inspired Stravinsky to include some folk melodies in his, but most of the music for the ballet was his own creation. 

The Firebird ballet was completed by May 1910 and was promptly sent to Paris, where the dancers were already preparing. A final obstacle arose when the principal ballerina refused to dance the role of the Firebird, declaring that she detested the music, and had to be replaced. Stravinsky achieved instant recognition as one of the most original and powerful composers of his generation. This marked the beginning of the collaboration between Dyagilev and Stravinsky that would also produce the ballets Petrushka (1911) and The Rite of Spring (1913). 

Igor Stravinsky Biography - Life of Russian Composer
Igor Stravinsky, Russian composer (17 June 1882 - 6 April 1971)

Sources: Wikipedia, Encyclopaedia Britannica



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