The Rite’s Riot – A centennial reflection on the 1913 premiere
The Rite of Spring, with its scandalous and cacophonous world premiere at the Théâtre du Champs-Élysées in Paris on May 29th, 1913, left an indelible mark on modern classical music. One century on from that fateful night, a closer examination of the event’s repercussions is warranted.
Background and Context
- Composed by: Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971)
- Libretto By: Vsevolod Shekhovtsev
1910 – The ballet premiered at the Théâtre du Champs-Élysées under the direction of Russian Ballet company director Michel Fokine, with choreography by Michel Fokine
Although initially intended for an international audience, Stravinsky decided on a Russian setting to give his work greater depth and meaning. The Rite premiered on 29 May 1913 at Théâtre du Champs-Élysées, in Paris where the Ballets Russes company had been performing since 1909.
The Premiere Incident
The evening’s audience was not prepared for the cacophony that awaited them. The opening scene of The Rite of Spring marked by its dissonant and clashing notes caused a considerable commotion within the hall, with some members storming out or shouting abusive remarks at the artists.
The evening ended abruptly when two members of the audience were thrown across their seats during a violent scene. The audience’s reaction was so intense that there was confusion whether to continue or stop the performance.
Aftermath and Legacy
- The Rite was banned in Paris for its dissonance, and it led to a public outcry against Stravinsky & Ballets Russes.
The premiere marked the beginning of an important transition between late romanticism & early modernist music
Despite initial reactions, The Rite of Spring went on to gain fame. By 1920 it was performed regularly and gained recognition in Europe.
Awards & Commendations
- The ballet was designated “one of the most influential works of the 20th century” by a panel of experts, selected by the French newspaper Le Figaro.
- Named as “most influential work of the 20th century” by BBC Radio 3 in their 2000 ‘100 Classical CDs You Must Hear Before You Die’ poll.
More than a century after its premiere, The Rite of Spring continues to influence contemporary musicians and ballet choreographers.
Influence on Modern Music and Dance
- Its impact is evident in the development of modern classical music
- Notable musical pieces such as Arnold Schönberg’s “Pierrot Lunaire” (1912) & Alban Berg’s “Wozzeck” (1925)
- And numerous ballets, including George Balanchine’s “Jewels” and Maurice Béjart’s “Rite of Spring”
The Rite of Spring marked the end of Romanticism in the 20th century. The influence of Stravinsky on modern classical music can be seen in a wide range of works, from Schönberg’s Pierrot Lunaire to Alban Berg’s Wozzeck, showcasing the profound effect of his innovative style.
Closing Thought
The Rite of Spring premiere was a watershed moment in music history. It demonstrated that there were musical boundaries to push and challenged traditional norms of art and society. It is clear that the repercussions of The Rite of Spring continue to have an impact on modern classical music, dance, and performance today.