This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under Institutional Reform Grant No. 98500-54.
Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NSF.
The Rite of Spring
Stravinsky's masterpiece performed by Chamber Orchestra of the Ozarks
Igor Stravinsky's Rite of Spring revolutionized music at its premiere in 1913, opening new vistas of rhythm, melody and harmony. Actually, the radically unique piece was not received well at its opening, called "fiendish" by the Boston Herald. But since that time, Stravinsky's masterpiece has been recognized by critics and audiences as a musical work of art. To learn more about the premiere of Rite of Spring, read the transcript of our chat with Dr. David Goza and classical music producer Ward Botsford. Also see The Birth of Le Sacre du Printemps.
Listen to a music introduction to The Rite of Spring by conductor Dr. David Goza
Rite of Spring, and other works, were performed by the Chamber Orchestra of the Ozarks along with addtional professional musicians, and conducted by Dr. David Goza of the Drury University Music Department . To supplement the orchestra's beautiful performance and to tie in Drury's Convocation theme of "Origins," Dr. David Goza and Dr. Roger Young discussed the parallels between some of Igor Stravinsky's compositional procedures and the behavior of DNA under certain environmental pressures. The event was an elegant, enjoyable evening out for Drury students and faculty at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts. Patrons enjoyed a musical performance of Igor Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. The evening ended with dessert and beverages at a free reception for all members of the Drury community who attended.
This program also includes two other groundbreaking works of 20th-century music. Bela Bartok's Roumanian Folk Dances illustrate the possibility of grounding art music in folk-music traditions (a procedure followed by many composers since the late Middle Ages). Gustav Holst's Suite No. 1 in E-flat adapts folk-like themes for a wind band, augmented in this performance by orchestral strings.