Context

Infernal Dance from The Firebird by Igor Stravinsky

‘The Firebird’ is a ballet written in 1910 by Russian composer, Igor Stravinsky. He later arranged the music into an orchestral suite, so it can be performed in an instrumental concert without dancers.  Throughout ‘The Firebird’ Stravinsky makes use of the tritone or augmented 4th interval (sometimes quite subtly) – this is traditionally recognised as symbolising evil in music

The story of the Firebird is a magical tale in Russian legend and the ‘Infernal Dance of King Kastchei’ portrays the evil King and his subjects dancing after the Firebird has appeared.

‘Infernal Dance’ from ‘The Firebird’ by Stravinsky

Listen For

  • Syncopated trombone bass line from the start reflects Kastchei’s twisting, darting movements. Syncopation is off-beat rhythm where the accents fall on unexpected beats.
  • Loud retorts from the trumpets almost sound like taunting and snarling.
  • Can you hear the xylophone at 00:32 and 01:21 – it sounds almost comical as if the characters are jeering.
  • From 01:41 trombone glissandi can be heard adding depth to the orchestral texture and emphasising the downward movements of the dancers.

Things To Consider

In your own composition can you use syncopation to convey an unsettled atmosphere?