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Thomas Forrest Kelly
Igor Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring premiered in Paris in 1913, sparking a riot and screaming so loud that the dancers could not hear the orchestra, and the choreographer had to shout numbers from backstage to keep the dancers on beat.
Read more
Igor Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring premiered in Paris in 1913, sparking a riot and screaming so loud that the dancers could not hear the orchestra, and the choreographer had to shout numbers from backstage to keep the dancers on beat.
Read more
Igor Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring premiered in Paris in 1913, sparking a riot and screaming so loud that the dancers could not hear the orchestra, and the choreographer had to shout numbers from backstage to keep the dancers on beat.
The Rite of Spring continues to challenge listeners. According to Stravinsky, The Rite of Spring was intended to portray “the surge of spring, the magnificent upsurge of nature reborn.” As you will see, Stravinsky’s description is almost frighteningly apt!
Harvard’s Thomas Forrest Kelly (Morton B. Knafel Professor of Music) guides learners through The Rite of Spring , highlighting not only the contributions of Stravinsky, the composer, but also those of his collaborators. Professor Kelly takes learners through the ballet’s development, rehearsals, and finally, premiere performance, and he explores just how and why The Rite of Spring challenged (and to a certain extent, continues to challenge) its listeners.
You will learn about the ballet’s innovative choreography, the basics of 20th-century orchestral form and technique, and the circumstances of this ballet’s first performance and subsequent history. Learners in this course need not have any prior musical experience.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/o75nci/first
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What's inside
Learning objectives
- Identify and describe forms and techniques used in 20th-century orchestral music
- Understand approaches to ballet choreography in the 20th century
- Appreciate cultural context and performance circumstances of stravinsky’s the rite of spring
- Identify and describe forms and techniques used in 20th-century orchestral music
- Understand approaches to ballet choreography in the 20th century
- Appreciate cultural context and performance circumstances of stravinsky’s the rite of spring
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Explores 20th-century orchestral forms and techniques, which is standard in music curricula
Examines ballet choreography, which is highly relevant to understanding modern dance
Taught by Thomas Forrest Kelly, who is recognized for their work in music
Develops understandings of The Rite of Spring's cultural context and performance circumstances, which are core skills for music historians
Provides a strong foundation for beginners in understanding 20th-century music
Save this course
Save First Nights - Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring: Modernism, Ballet, and Riots to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in First Nights - Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring: Modernism, Ballet, and Riots with these
activities:
Follow a tutorial on 20th-century orchestral music
Show steps
Introduces the techniques and forms commonly used in 20th-century orchestral music, which will enhance understanding of The Rite of Spring.
Show steps
-
Find a reputable online tutorial or course on 20th-century orchestral music.
-
Follow the tutorial, taking notes on the key concepts and techniques presented.
-
Listen to examples of 20th-century orchestral music and analyze how the techniques discussed in the tutorial are used.
Practice identifying techniques in 20th-century orchestral music
Show steps
Reinforces understanding of techniques used in 20th-century orchestral music, including those employed in The Rite of Spring.
Show steps
-
Find online exercises or practice drills that focus on identifying techniques in 20th-century orchestral music.
-
Complete the exercises, paying attention to the explanation of each technique.
-
Apply your knowledge by listening to examples of 20th-century orchestral music and identifying the techniques used.
Read The Rite of Spring: A Critical Analysis by Andrew Porter
Show steps
Provides a deeper understanding of the musical and historical context of The Rite of Spring.
View
The Contemporary American Crime Novel: Race,...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read through the book, taking notes on key concepts and ideas.
-
Discuss the book's main arguments and interpretations with a study group or peers.
-
Write a short essay summarizing the book's main points and your own reflections.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Attend a study group or discussion forum on The Rite of Spring
Show steps
Provides an opportunity to engage with peers, discuss different perspectives, and enhance comprehension of the music and its context.
Show steps
-
Join a study group or online discussion forum dedicated to The Rite of Spring.
-
Participate actively in discussions, sharing your insights and asking questions.
-
Listen respectfully to others' perspectives and be open to new interpretations.
Attend a lecture or workshop on The Rite of Spring
Show steps
Provides an opportunity to hear from experts and gain insights into the music and its historical context.
Show steps
-
Find a lecture or workshop on The Rite of Spring that aligns with your interests.
-
Attend the event and take notes on the key points presented.
-
Follow up with the speaker or other attendees to discuss the topic further.
Explore the book 'Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring' by Richard Taruskin
Show steps
Delve deeper into the historical and cultural context surrounding The Rite of Spring, enhancing understanding of the ballet's significance.
View
Russian Music at Home and Abroad: New Essays
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book, paying attention to its analysis of the music, choreography, and historical reception of The Rite of Spring.
-
Discuss the book's insights with peers or a study group.
-
Write a short summary of the book's main arguments and how they relate to your understanding of The Rite of Spring.
Create a musical analysis of a section of The Rite of Spring
Show steps
Develops analytical skills and deepens understanding of the musical structure and techniques used in The Rite of Spring.
Browse courses on
Music Analysis
Show steps
-
Choose a short section of The Rite of Spring (3-5 minutes) and listen to it carefully, taking note of the instrumentation, harmony, rhythm, and form.
-
Use music theory concepts to analyze the section, identifying key techniques and their effects.
-
Write a short paper presenting your analysis, explaining the musical techniques used and their impact on the overall effect of the piece.
Follow a tutorial on 20th-century orchestral music
Show steps
Introduces the techniques and forms commonly used in 20th-century orchestral music, which will enhance understanding of The Rite of Spring.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a reputable online tutorial or course on 20th-century orchestral music.
- Follow the tutorial, taking notes on the key concepts and techniques presented.
- Listen to examples of 20th-century orchestral music and analyze how the techniques discussed in the tutorial are used.
Practice identifying techniques in 20th-century orchestral music
Show steps
Reinforces understanding of techniques used in 20th-century orchestral music, including those employed in The Rite of Spring.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find online exercises or practice drills that focus on identifying techniques in 20th-century orchestral music.
- Complete the exercises, paying attention to the explanation of each technique.
- Apply your knowledge by listening to examples of 20th-century orchestral music and identifying the techniques used.
Read The Rite of Spring: A Critical Analysis by Andrew Porter
Show steps
Provides a deeper understanding of the musical and historical context of The Rite of Spring.
View
The Contemporary American Crime Novel: Race,...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read through the book, taking notes on key concepts and ideas.
- Discuss the book's main arguments and interpretations with a study group or peers.
- Write a short essay summarizing the book's main points and your own reflections.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Attend a study group or discussion forum on The Rite of Spring
Show steps
Provides an opportunity to engage with peers, discuss different perspectives, and enhance comprehension of the music and its context.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join a study group or online discussion forum dedicated to The Rite of Spring.
- Participate actively in discussions, sharing your insights and asking questions.
- Listen respectfully to others' perspectives and be open to new interpretations.
Attend a lecture or workshop on The Rite of Spring
Show steps
Provides an opportunity to hear from experts and gain insights into the music and its historical context.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a lecture or workshop on The Rite of Spring that aligns with your interests.
- Attend the event and take notes on the key points presented.
- Follow up with the speaker or other attendees to discuss the topic further.
Explore the book 'Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring' by Richard Taruskin
Show steps
Delve deeper into the historical and cultural context surrounding The Rite of Spring, enhancing understanding of the ballet's significance.
View
Russian Music at Home and Abroad: New Essays
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book, paying attention to its analysis of the music, choreography, and historical reception of The Rite of Spring.
- Discuss the book's insights with peers or a study group.
- Write a short summary of the book's main arguments and how they relate to your understanding of The Rite of Spring.
Create a musical analysis of a section of The Rite of Spring
Show steps
Develops analytical skills and deepens understanding of the musical structure and techniques used in The Rite of Spring.
Browse courses on
Music Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a short section of The Rite of Spring (3-5 minutes) and listen to it carefully, taking note of the instrumentation, harmony, rhythm, and form.
- Use music theory concepts to analyze the section, identifying key techniques and their effects.
- Write a short paper presenting your analysis, explaining the musical techniques used and their impact on the overall effect of the piece.
Career center
Learners who complete First Nights - Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring: Modernism, Ballet, and Riots will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Music Director
Music Director
A Music Director leads and conducts everything from chamber orchestras to full symphony orchestras. You may be self-employed and freelance for multiple musical groups, or be the permanent conductor of one orchestra. This course is directly relevant to the work of a Music Director, as it explores the history and technical details of a renowned 20th-century orchestral work. This course can help you to cultivate a deeper understanding of orchestral technique, which may aid you in your work interpreting and performing other orchestral pieces.
Ballet Master
Ballet Master
Ballet Masters are responsible for a ballet company's daily operations. This includes planning the season's repertoire, teaching and rehearsing dancers, and managing the company's finances. This course is highly relevant to your work, as it will give you a deep understanding of the ballet Rite of Spring, which is a staple of the ballet repertoire, and about ballet choreography in the early 20th century.
Composer
Composer
Composers create and produce sheet music and musical ideas. Some specialize and compose for only one medium (e.g. only composing for film, or only composing for woodwind quintets). This course on Stravinsky's Rite of Spring may be useful as it can give you insight into composition techniques used in the 20th century. A firm grasp of musical history, which is taught in this course, can inform and inspire your compositions in many ways.
Choreographer
Choreographer
Choreographers create dance routines for dancers and other performers, ranging from ballet to hip-hop to modern. You might work in a variety of settings, from Broadway to film to music videos. An understanding of ballet choreography in the 20th century, which this course offers, is important for modern Choreographers. The course will help you to develop an understanding of ballet's history and how it developed.
Music Teacher
Music Teacher
Music Teachers instruct students in music theory, music performance, and singing. You will need a bachelor's degree in music, plus your state's teaching certification. This course on the Rite of Spring can be helpful to Music Teachers as it provides in-depth analysis of a foundational piece of the orchestral repertoire. This course may inspire your own teaching and understanding of music history, which you can pass on to your students.
Music Critic
Music Critic
Music Critics write reviews and articles for newspapers, magazines, and websites about various musical events and performers. This course may be useful in your work analyzing and reviewing orchestral works.
Dance Teacher
Dance Teacher
Dance Teachers instruct students in dance techniques, dance theory, and dance history. You will need a BA or BFA in dance, as well as some states' teaching certifications. This course may be helpful for your work as a Dance Teacher as it can give you a deeper understanding of 20th-century ballet choreography. This course may inspire your own teaching and understanding of dance history, which you can pass on to your students.
Orchestra Librarian
Orchestra Librarian
Orchestra Librarians maintain and manage the music library of an orchestra, which includes ordering new music, organizing and storing the music library, and helping musicians find the music they need. This course may be of some use in your work as an Orchestra Librarian, as you will develop an understanding of the history and works of a major orchestral composer.
Dance Critic
Dance Critic
Dance Critics review and analyze professional dance performances for publication. This course will enhance your knowledge of the field and its history, which can be of some use in the work that you do as a Dance Critic.
Arts Administrator
Arts Administrator
Arts Administrators manage the day-to-day operations of performing arts organizations, such as theaters, dance companies, and museums. This course may be helpful in your work as an Arts Administrator as it can give you a broader understanding of the history of 20th-century music. A firm understanding of musical history, which this course teaches, can be very helpful for an arts administrator managing any kind of performing arts organization.
Musician
Musician
Musicians play musical instruments. You may work as a member of an orchestra, a band, or as a soloist. If you work as an Orchestral Musician, this course will be of great use to you, as it will help you to better understand the history and details of a significant orchestral work.
Musician Manager
Musician Manager
Musician Managers represent musicians and help them to develop their careers. This course may be of some use in your work as a Musician Manager, as it can give you a deeper understanding of the history of 20th-century music and orchestral repertoire. A firm grasp of musical history, which this course teaches, can be very helpful for a manager who is helping their clients navigate the music industry.
Piano Teacher
Piano Teacher
Piano Teachers provide instruction on how to play the piano to students of all ages and skill levels. This course may be of some use, as it will help you to better understand the evolution of music in the 20th century, which you can then pass on to your students.
Instrument Maker
Instrument Maker
Instrument Makers create, repair, and adjust musical instruments such as violins, guitars, and pianos. This course may be of some use, as it will help you to better understand the inner workings of orchestral instruments, such as the strings and woodwinds featured prominently in Rite of Spring.
Orchestrator
Orchestrator
Orchestrators arrange music for orchestras and other large ensembles. This course may be of some use as it can give you insight into composition techniques used in the 20th century. As the orchestrator, you will be responsible for arranging music that may sound similar to Rite of Spring. A solid background in the history of the piece can be of use to you in your orchestrations.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/o75nci/first
Reading list
We've selected eight books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
First Nights - Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring: Modernism, Ballet, and Riots.
Save
This is the full score of *The Rite of Spring*, an essential reference tool for anyone wishing to deeply understand the work's orchestration and structure.
Save
Provides biographical context about Stravinsky that will help learners understand the composer's creative process and influences.
Another comprehensive collection of essays on Stravinsky, with a particular focus on his later work.
Save
Provides additional context to *The Rite of Spring* through an analysis of another one of Stravinsky's major works of the same period.
Provides historical and cultural context about the early years of the Ballets Russes.
Provides additional context about the development of modernism in Russian music.
Provides a broad overview of 20th-century music and its major trends, useful for learners who wish to broaden their knowledge of the period.
Provides a technical overview of 20th-century music, useful for learners who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the music's forms and techniques.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/o75nci/first
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Effort
3 to 5 hours per week for 3 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Harvard University
Instructor
Thomas Forrest Kelly
Session
December 6, 2023
- December 4, 2024
Language
English
Transcript
English
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Classical Works. It's comprised of five courses:
- First Nights - Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo and the Birth of Opera
- First Nights - Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring: Modernism, Ballet, and Riots (viewing)
- First Nights - Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique and Program Music in the 19th Century
- First Nights - Handel's Messiah and Baroque Oratorio
- First Nights - Beethoven's 9th Symphony and the 19th Century Orchestra
Good to know
Explores 20th-century orchestral forms and techniques, which is standard in music curricula
Examines ballet choreography, which is highly relevant to understanding modern dance
Taught by Thomas Forrest Kelly, who is recognized for their work in music
Develops understandings of The Rite of Spring's cultural context and performance circumstances, which are core skills for music historians
Provides a strong foundation for beginners in understanding 20th-century music
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