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I Predict a Riot

Ivan Hewett explores the myths that surround the infamous first performance of The Rite of Spring in 1913 in Paris. Was there indeed a riot, as has often been reported?

Ivan Hewett explores the myths that surround the infamous first performance of the Rite of Spring.

The scene that surrounded the first performance of Stravinsky's Rite of Spring on 29 May 1913 in Paris has been described as 'a battleground', a 'full-scale riot' and the aftermath of 'an earthquake' that had struck the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées. Ivan Hewett tries to unravel what really happened.

Ivan is joined by Professor Stephen Walsh, who holds a Chair in Music at Cardiff University, and has written extensively about Stravinsky, and by Professor Esteban Buch, Director of Studies at the Γ‰cole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales (EHESS) in Paris. Both have contributed to a new volume of essays published to coincide with the anniversary of the first performance of the Rite of Spring.

Available now

20 minutes

Last on

Thu 16 May 2013 20:10

Credit

Role Contributor
Composer Igor Stravinsky

Broadcast

  • Thu 16 May 2013 20:10