The Firebird ballet is set in the enchanted garden of the magician King Kastchei. After an introduction evoking that magical realm, the Firebird appears in a blaze of movement.
The Firebird Photo: Léon Bakst [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Orchestra Wellington conducted by Marc Taddei.
The ballet impresario Serge Diaghilev first approached Liadov to set this famous Russian folk tale to music for his Ballets Russes. When Liadov turned it down, Diaghilev asked Stravinsky, who was 28 at the time and studying composition informally with Rimksy-Korsakov.
The resulting work premiered in 1910 at the Paris Opera and was a great success. Stravinsky's compelling folkloric themes and dazzling orchestration were supported by the work of the brilliant choreographer Mikhail Fokine, who also danced the lead role.
Recorded 13 May 2017, Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington by RNZ Concert
Producer: David McCaw
Engineer: Graham Kennedy
Notes: Erica Challis
