[Dance] [Ballets Russes] [Firebird] Stravinsky, Igor. (1882–1971). L'Oiseau de Feu. Conte danse? en 2 tableaux. Piano à 2 mains.. [1910]: Jurgenson. Jurgenson. First Edition. First edition of the piano score of Stravinsky's first work to have won and held an enduring place in the repertory. Upright folio (31 cm). 70 pp. [PN] 34903 - 919. Original wrappers printed in black and red. Title on spine in ink, wrappers a little wrinkled and toned, rear wrapper with lower corner lacking, otherwise fine and clean within. DeLerma O9, p. 49.


The Firebird was commissioned from the 27 year old composer by Diaghilev and on June 25, 1910, “with the celebrated ballerina Tamara Karsavina and the Ballet Russes, the most important ballet since Tchaikovsky had its premiere in Paris. As Diaghilev had predicted, Stravinsky became famous overnight...Stravinsky learned well from Rimsky-Korsakov and equaled his master in orchestral opulence. The score is an enchantment, and its individual numbers - from the Infernal Dance to the Berceuse - exude the fragrance of Russianism in the grand tradition, with added dissonant spice. Stravinsky's first important work remains a favorite.” (David Dubal) The original production featured scenery and costumes designed by Alexander Golovine and Leon Bakst; the original cast was Tamara Karsavina, Michel Fokine, Enrico Cecchetti, and Vera Fokina.