The Cruel Romance Motif in Igor Stravinsky’s Ballet “Petrushka”

Abstract

The article focuses on studying the origin and existence of urban romance song melodies used by Igor Stravinsky in the musical score of his ballet “Petrushka” (1910–1911). It examines the most important events surrounding Stravinsky during the creation of the ballet score, which is considered one of the composer’s unsurpassed masterpieces. Various opinions about the ballet are presented, including a controversial statement by Stravinsky’s contemporary, Sergei Prokofiev. The article outlines how Stravinsky employed new artistic means to create a vivid and noisy sound palette of the Maslenitsa festivities in St. Petersburg of the 1830s, with street melodies taken from urban folklore serving as the centerpiece. Among such melodies was the song “Chudnїy mesyats” [“A Wondrous Moon”] written by the poet and songwriter M. I. Ozhegov (1860–1934) — which is specially highlighted. The author draws attention to the gap in musicological studies: though being part of the ballet “Petrushka” score, Ozhegov’s urban romance has lacked a musical analysis, as well as detailed information concerning its creation and authorship. The article fills this gap, clarifying and correcting the currently available information in the studies related to Stravinsky’s composition.

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