Stravinsky's "Petrushka" originated from his idea for an orchestral "concert piece" where the piano would be prominent, featuring a jointed puppet that suddenly comes to life.
Composition History
Igor Stravinsky, the composer, completed the score for "Le Sacre du printemps" (The Rite of Spring) in Clarens, on Lake Geneva, in 1913, a year before World War I began.
Interpretation
Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg, the piano duo, rehearse six hours daily to achieve a "shared breathing" and a deep, instinctive understanding, aiming to move listeners emotionally rather than just with virtuosity.
Critical Reception
The premiere of Stravinsky's "Le Sacre du printemps" on May 29, 1913, caused a scandal, with initial laughter turning into whistles, boos, and an uproar that led to 27 reported injuries.
Performer Biography
Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg, the piano duo on this recording, perform in approximately 70 countries on five continents and have played in venues like Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Stravinsky, whose artistic approach was objective, mistrusted the piano as the main instrument for subjective romantic self-expression, and wrote comparatively little piano music.
Compositional Technique
"Le Sacre du printemps" is considered the first work in recent musical history where rhythm dominates over melody, featuring new chord combinations and complex rhythmic structures.
