Petrushka (Igor Stravinsky)

Question 1

date

Answer 1

1911

Question 2

genre

Answer 2

ballet

Question 3

choreographer

Answer 3

Michel Fokine

Question 4

storyline

Answer 4

written by Stravinsky and Alexandre Benois, influenced by Russian folk tradition

Question 5

performing forces

Answer 5

large orchestra with expanded percussion section (piano, xylophone, celesta)

Question 6

principal characters

Answer 6

the Showman and three puppets: Petrushka, the Ballerina, the Moor

Question 7

setting

Answer 7

St. Petersburg in the 1830’s

Question 8

structure of work

Answer 8

4 tableaus (1: Shrovetide fair, 2: Petrushka’s room, 3: the Moor’s room, 4. Shrovetide fair)

Question 9

plot summary

Answer 9

the Showman dazzles audiences at the fair with his 3 puppets who he brings to life; Petrushka, locked away, feels frustrated with the Showman and the Ballerina, and tries to escape; the Moor chases Petrushka outside (they both love the Ballerina), and he kills him. Petrushka’s ghost taunts the Showman.

Question 10

review and reflection

Answer 10

uses pentatonic scale, polychords (Petrushka chord)