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The Rite of Spring is a [[ballet]] written by Russian composer [[Igor Stravinsky]], which debuted in May of 1913.  Though its premiere caused a riot, it remains one of Stravinsky's most famous pieces.

'''The Rite of Spring''' is a [[ballet]] written by Russian composer [[Igor Stravinsky]], which debuted in May 1913.  Though its premiere caused a riot, it remains one of Stravinsky's most famous pieces.

== History ==

== History ==

When Stravinsky played the Rite of Spring for the first time for Diaghilev, Diaghilev wanted to know how long it would be like that (as in chaotic and not harmonic).  Stravinsky simply responded 'until the end, my dear.'

When Stravinsky played the Rite of Spring for the first time for Diaghilev, Diaghilev wanted to know how long it would be like that (as in chaotic and not harmonic).  Stravinsky simply responded 'until the end, my dear.'

The Rite of Spring debuted at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in [[Paris]] on May 29th, 1913, to an audience accusted to the grace, elegance, and traditional music of what was termed 'conventional ballets.'  Opposition to the Rite of Spring began just as the first few minutes of the piece as the audience booed loudly in response to the inharmonic notes which accompanied the bassoon solo, which was so high that the audience didn't even know what instrument they were listening to.  The work's unconventional music, and unnatural choreography (which had the dancers dancing with bent arms and legs, and would land so hard on the floor that their internal organs would shake), and the Russian pagan setting, failed to win over the majority of the audience.

The Rite of Spring debuted at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in [[Paris]] on May 29, 1913, to an audience accusted to the grace, elegance, and traditional music of what was termed 'conventional ballets.'  Opposition to the Rite of Spring began just as the first few minutes of the piece as the audience booed loudly in response to the inharmonic notes which accompanied the bassoon solo, which was so high that the audience didn't even know what instrument they were listening to.  The work's unconventional music, and unnatural choreography (which had the dancers dancing with bent arms and legs, and would land so hard on the floor that their internal organs would shake), and the Russian pagan setting, failed to win over the majority of the audience.

As the ballet progressed, so did the audience's discomfort.  Those who liked the ballet argued with those who did.  The arguments eventually turned into brawls, and the police had to be notified.  They arrived at intermission and successfully calmed to crowd.  As the second half commenced, the police were unable to control the audience and subsequently rioting resumed.  Stravinsky was so shocked by the audience's reaction, that he fled the scene before the show was over.

As the ballet progressed, so did the audience's discomfort.  Those who liked the ballet argued with those who did.  The arguments eventually turned into brawls, and the police had to be notified.  They arrived at intermission and successfully calmed to crowd.  As the second half commenced, the police were unable to control the audience and subsequently rioting resumed.  Stravinsky was so shocked by the audience's reaction, that he fled the scene before the show was over.

In spite of the riot (or maybe even because of it), the Rite of Spring changed ballet forever.  Before the Rite of Spring, ballets were beautiful, elegant, and charming.  Now it is considered a milestone in ballet's history, and has become a regular repertoire.

In spite of the riot (or maybe even because of it), the Rite of Spring changed ballet forever.  Before the Rite of Spring, ballets were beautiful, elegant, and charming.  Now it is considered a milestone in ballet's history, and has become a regular repertoire.

The Rite of Spring was featured in the [[Walt Disney Company|Walt Disney]] movie [[Fantasia (movie) |Fantasia]], where it was played during the part of the film depicting [[evolution]].

The Rite of Spring was featured in the [[Walt Disney Company|Walt Disney]] movie [[Fantasia (movie)|Fantasia]], where it was played during the part of the film depicting [[evolution]].

The Rite of Spring has inspired other composers such as John Williams and Jerry Goldsmith.

The Rite of Spring has inspired other composers such as John Williams and Jerry Goldsmith.