Stravinsky, Igor. (1882–1971) [Avedon, Richard. (1923 - 2004)]

"Stravinsky Conducts Le Sacre du Printemps" - Signed LP Cover

Signed photograph of the composer, one of the most famous images by the great photographer Richard Avedon, on an LP cover from Columbia Records' issue of "Stravinsky Conducts Le Sacre du Printemps" (1960). Stravinsky is shown in the iconic Avedon image, looking out from underneath raised sunglasses, and has penned at the right: "To Mr. and Mrs. Jim Frey / sincerely / I. Stravinsky / 1965." Inscription rather smudged, a few creases to the surface, but overall very good. 12 x 12 inches, matted and framed to an overall size of 16.5 x 16.5 inches.

The ballet and orchestral concert work The Rite of Spring ("Sacre du Printemps") was written for the 1913 Paris season of Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes, the original choreography by Vaslav Nijinsky with stage designs and costumes by Nicholas Roerich. When first performed at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées on 29 May 1913, the avant-garde nature of the music and choreography caused a sensation. Many have called the first-night reaction a "riot" or "near-riot," though this wording did not come about until reviews of later performances in 1924, over a decade later.  Although designed as a work for the stage, with specific passages accompanying characters and action, the music achieved equal if not greater recognition as a concert piece and is widely considered to be one of the most influential musical works of the 20th century.  (9994)


Signed Photograph
Classical Music