Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring”

While listening to Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring,” the different parts of the ballet become recognizable as distinct. But despite being made up of identifiably different parts, the oeuvre feels cohesive and thematically consistent. Overall, the piece felt forceful and dramatic. While listening to it, I was reminded of overwhelming natural phenomenon such as tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, monsoons, and thunderstorms at various points. In choosing a visual I was drawn to the idea of volcanic eruptions, but these seemed to match up best for certain points of the piece rather than more extended sections. Instead, I chose this video of lava flow following volcanic activity in Hawaii, which matches up best when listening to the Stravinsky piece beginning at 3:06. The drama of the louder parts was augmented by the contrast between these and quieter, more solemn parts, such as the very beginning of the piece. However, even these retain a sense of drama and unease as they are staccato and performed in minor key; they create a sense of creeping anticipation and forward motion leading into swells and imposing crescendos. I found this to aptly mirror the progress of the molten lava overtaking the lush forest and the build up following the increasingly dramatic images of flames and swirling clouds of smoke leading up to the mouth of the volcano.

Sara Diaz, Political Science and Latin American Studies, CC ’21