Stravinsky, Igor. (1882–1971)
Original 1944 Press Photograph
Original 1944 press photograph of the great composer looking over the score of his reharmonization of "The Star-Spangled Banner." Original press caption on the verso notes that "...[h]e will lead the Boston Symphony in the new version Jan. 14 and 15." 9 x 7.25 inches.Stravinsky reharmonized the National Anthem in 1941, attempting to give the song, as he told the press, "the character of a church hymn, not of a soldier's marching song or a club song, as it was originally." The arrangement was programmed for two concerts with the Boston Symphony in January 1944, but at the first performance, the audience found the new harmonies jarring and unpleasant. Reporters present at the concert soon inflated the event into a scandal. On the next evening, officers of the Boston Police Department arrived at Symphony Hall to inform Stravinsky that he was in violation of a Massachusetts law which prohibited the performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” as dance music, as part of a medley, or with “embellishment.” Stravinsky quickly replaced his arrangement with the BSO's standard version, and the offending arrangement was not performed again for more than a decade. (15078)
Unsigned Photograph Classical Music