Stravinsky, Igor. (1882–1971)
Pétrouchka : ScènesBurlesques en 4 tableaux. Partition.
Berlin: Edition russe de musique. [1912]. First miniature edition. 8vo. (14.5 x 21 cm). 156 pp. [PN] 348. Hirsch, II 905; de Lerma P15-3, p. 60. Rare first miniature edition of the full score, published at the time of the conductor's score. Fragile wrappers present but heavily chipped, front wrapper reinforced around edges with archival tape, spine cover perished and rear wrapper affixed with tape. Paper and glue remnants along inner gutter of first and final pages, otherwise clean throughout.The first edition of Petrushka is one of the rarest of Stravinsky's scores.
The ballet Petrushka, commissioned by Diaghilev for the Ballets Russes, was first performed at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on June 13, 1911 and was an immediate sensation with the public and the critics. The ballet had begun in Stravinsky's mind as a "picture of a puppet suddenly endowed with life, exasperating the patience of the orchestra with diabolical cascades of arpeggios." Soon Diaghilev had convinced the young composer to turn the work into a ballet score. Benois was chosen to be his collaborator in the libretto, Fokine and Nijinsky became involved, and the bizarre tale of three dancing puppets--Petrushka (a folk character in Russian lore), the Ballerina and the Moor--brought to life in a tragic tale of love, would soon become one of the most acclaimed and performed of ballet masterpieces. (6273)
Printed Music Classical Music