26 Mar 2021

STRAVINSKY: Petrushka (1947)

From Music Alive, 8:00 pm on 26 March 2021
Vaslav Nijinsky as Petrushka

Vaslav Nijinsky as Petrushka Photo: Public Domain

The story of Petrushka follows the loves and jealousies of three puppets, brought to life during the 1830 Shrovetide Fair in St Petersburg, Russia.

Petrushka loves the Ballerina, but she rejects him. She prefers the Moor.

Petrushka is angry and hurt and challenges the Moor. The Moor kills him with his scimitar.

Petrushka's ghost rises above the puppet theatre as night falls. He shakes his fist at the Charlatan, then collapses in a second death.

Musically, Stravinsky turns away from 19th century developmental form in this work, preferring instead to create contrasts with bold blocks of sound – a technique that’s been likened to the paintings of Picasso and Georges Braque. Stravinsky also explores colour and rhythm in abstract ways, eliciting sparkling, vibrant colours from his musical painting.

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra performs Stravinsky’s 1947 version of Petrushka.

Recorded 26 March 2021, Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington by RNZ Concert

Producer: David McCaw

Engineer: Darryl Stack

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