In 1910, innovative young Russian composer Igor Stravinsky was commissioned by Serge Diaghilev, director of the Ballets Russes, to create a completely new score. The dazzling result was "The Firebird, " which brought overnight success to its creator and distinguished him as the most gifted of the younger generation of Russian composers. According to "Grove's Dictionary of Music and Musicians, " the piece, based on a series of Russian fairy tales, has "all the coloring of a Russian child's picture book . . . brilliant orchestration, glowing color . . . an extraordinary evocative power which literally enchants the listener."
As popular today as it was nearly a century ago at its premiere, Stravinsky's modern masterpiece appears here in full score. Ideal for study in the classroom, at home, or in the concert hall, this affordable, high-quality, conveniently sized volume is a wonderful addition to the score library of all lovers of great music.