Igor Stravinsky's "The Firebird"

Among the treasures of the 20th Century's greatest and most important composer, The Firebird is a lush and colorful work.

The first of three ballets written for the Ballet Russes (the subsequent being Petrushka and the importan Rite of Spring), Stravinksy produced a score of such imagination and ingenuity. Stravinsky's teacher was Rimsky-Korsakov, the unequivicol master of orchestration during his time, and one can see how he employed his education into this work.

The Firebird is based on a Russian Folktale describing an adventure of a young man who frees the mystical Firebird and defeats the evil King Kaschei. The work premiered in 1910, performed by the famed Nijinsky, Sergey Diaghilev the impressario. This is truly and brilliant work and is so colorful. It is much longer then the suite as it is presented as the full ballet.

The score is large and easy to read. Text is included with English translation as well as a brief sonopsis. It lies flat on a desk or music and is inexpensive -- ideal for the starving music student. I highly reccommend this score for the serious musician or listener alike.

A great score

If you have ever heard any of the firebird, or if you are interested in composition, compositional make-up or instrumentation, this is the perfect book for you. Quite possibly one of the greatest ballets of all time (not to mention one of the greatest orchestral pieces), it's a welcome addition to any connection. If you like the rites of spring or petrushka, this is a great score to own NOTE: this is not the 1919 Firebird Suite that is most popular - this is the full score - it has probably a half hour more of music and some much more interesting orchestrations! It is well worth the very low price (only 12.95!)

Intellectual Beauty

Tommy's review put it plain. If you are into high-minded art and can fully appreciate the complexities, this is great for you.