FINALE FROM THE FIREBIRD SUITE

Igor StravinskyArr. Michael Story

Igor Stravinsky• 1882 – 1971• Russian composer, pianist, and

conductor• One of the most important and

influential composers of 20th century music

• Compositional career was notable for its stylistic diversity

• Achieved international fame with three ballets– The Firebird (1910)– Petrushka (1911)– The Rite of Spring (1913)

Fun Fact

• The premiere of The Rite of Spring provoked one of the most famous classical music riots in history!

The Firebird

The Firebird is Stravinsky’s first famous ballet from 1910. The ballet is based on Russian folk tales of a magical glowing bird (The Firebird) that is both a blessing and a curse to its captor.

• 45-minutes long– Written for a very large orchestra

including quadruple woodwind and three harps, as well as a piano

Three Shorter Suites

• All arranged by Stravinsky– 1911– 1919– 1945

• 1919 suite remains the most well known and often played

• 1945 version contains the most music from the original ballet score

Movements

• 1919 suite has five movements– (1) Introduction - The Firebird and its dance - The

Firebird's variation – (2) The Princesses’ Khorovod (Rondo, round

dance) – (3) Infernal dance of King Kashchei– (4) Berceuse (Lullaby)– (5) Finale

A Version For You

Michael Story has arranged the fifth movement (Finale) for Middle School band.

Fantasia 2000

• The Chicago Symphony performs the 1919 suite to a beautifully animated scene

Click here to view Finale from Fantasia 2000

Click here to listen to our arrangement

Let’s Listen to the Finale!