Klarinet Archive - Posting 000901.txt from 2000/02

From: "Benjamin Maas" <benmaas@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] Stravinsky Firebird, 2 Versions?
Date: Thu, 24 Feb 2000 16:14:31 -0500

> Firebird versions. I am writing this from the top of my head, but this
> is one of my favorite of Stravinsky pieces, and i have played two of the
> versions..
> Full ballet, original scoring uses large instrumentation, including 4
> clarinet parts--Eb(soprano), 2 Bb/A, Bass. The Eb has the solos in Ronde
> des Princesses, and much of L'oiseau de feu... and Variations de L'oiseau
> de feu in this version.
> ( For some odd reason when we played this with the ballet, we only had 3
> players--I stayed up 6 hours picking out the things that were not doubled
> anywhere else, and distributed those among 5 players--clarinets and
> bassoons. ( The bass player could play Eb, but not simultaneously!!!!)
>
> Suite. version 191?(according to note in BonadeORCH.Studies "
> reorchestrated by the composer in 1919)." Two clarinets and similar
> instrumentation thoughout.
>
> Stravinsky made another version of the suite in 1940s.
>
> hope this is *some* help.
>
> annhall
>
> ~Ann H Satterfield~
> Principal Clarinet (and former music librarian)
> Imperial Sym.Orch.
> Lakeland, Florida

Ann, you are pretty close here. The Firebird Ballet was written in 1910 for
a large orchestra that included 4 clarinets (2 Bb/A, Eb, and Bass). There
was later a suite that used this same orchestration.

In 1919, Stravinsky reorchestrated for a much smaller orchestra that
included 2 clarinets. This is the most commonly played version and the
version that is on most auditions. Now, there are 2 publications of the
1919 suite. The original and a later one from the early 90's with massive
corrections made by Clark McAllister. The most notable one for us
clarinetists is the difficult run that in the variations that was supposed
to be in the flute part. It is now back where it belongs (thank God!!!)

In 1945 (I can't remember the exact date), Stravinsky re-orchestrated AGAIN.
This time the suite is pretty much the same as the 1919, but he changed
enough stuff so that he could keep copyrights on it and keep earning money.
Changes are things like, the measured 32 notes in the variation were then
written as trills.

In much of Stravinsky's music, you will find this reorchestrating enough to
keep making money. Because of this, you really need to be careful to get
the correct parts.

--Ben

Benjamin Maas
Freelance Clarinetist and Recording Engineer
Los Angeles, CA
benmaas@-----.com
http://www.fifthcircle.com

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