Expert: Marbeth - 12/16/2011

Question
I just have a few questions about the ballets of Igor Stravinsky as they pertain to classical music, especially his most shocking and distinctive "The Rite of Spring."
First off, why (musically speaking) was The Rite of Spring so iconoclastic when it debuted in Paris? What specific elements of the piece had truly been previoulsy unseen in the world of classical music?
Do you detect any hints in Stravinsky's earlier works that suggest his iconoclastic Rite of Spring? Do some of his earlier structures represent subdued versions of those which brought riots to the streets of Paris?
What do you feel has changed in the hundred or so years since the premier of Stravinsky's Rite of Spring that brought the piece into international acclaim? Has there been a difference in interpretation or in audiences that brings standing ovations today and hisses at the onset?
What do you feel is the significance of Stravinsky's other notable ballets, videlicit Petrouchka and The Firebird, upon the development of classical music in the 20th century?
Many people object to the production of The Rite of Spring as a ballet, saying that the music is fit best as a stand-alone piece. How would you respond to that statement?

Thank you for the time it took you to read this - any feedback whatsoever would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely, Max

Answer
This not just homework, but a research paper, perhaps a senior thesis.   

In good conscience, I cannot do your work for you.  What would you have learned?  That it's ok to be dishonest and present someone else's work as your own?  That it's ok to be intellectually lazy?  That it's ok to avoid responsibility?  

I will, however, give you a pointer for the first question. Do some research on costuming and sets.  What sorts of costumes were ballet patrons used to seeing?  What did they get?  Ditto about the sets.  Research published critiques and reviews by music and dance critics about the premier (which newspapers and magazines were most influential?).  Research the same topics as regards other ballet premiers; examine theater premiers, as well as orchestral and opera premiers.  In Paris.  In Russia, for comparison.  Examine primary source material.  (Find out what that is if you don't know.)  Draw your own conclusions.

This assignment is as much about teaching you how to do research and synthesize what you find out as it is about the content of what you find out.  This topic is only the vehicle.  The real assignment is thinking and gathering data to think about.

Note that the saying is "earn a degree."  I have 3 of them, all of which I earned with my own work.  I won't earn yours, too.  You must earn it on your own.  (Perhaps you don't deserve one?)

The real world requires you to "do your own work."  Do you think someone else is going to earn a salary to be paid to you?

Stop being lazy and spoiled and acting entitled.  Turn off the video games, put down the beer, and buckle down on your education.  

This lecture is the most valuable thing you will have received all year.  

mb