Pribaoutki


Pribaoutki is a cycle of four songs composed by Igor Stravinsky in 1914 to Russian texts by Alexander Afanasyev. Its Russian title has no direct English equivalent, although Richard Taruskin suggests "nonsense rhymes" or "jingles." Pribaoutki takes about four minutes to perform.

Songs

The titles of the four songs are:
  1. "Kornílo"
  2. "Natashka"
  3. "Polkovnik"
  4. "Starets i zayats"

Instrumentation

Pribaoutki is written for low voice and instrumental ensemble. Stravinsky is said to have preferred a male singer, although the work is commonly performed by mezzo-soprano or contralto. The eight-member ensemble consists of: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, violin, viola, cello, and double bass.

History

Pribaoutki was composed between June and September 1914, just as World War I was breaking out. During this time, Stravinsky was living in Switzerland: at Salvan during the summer, and Clarens in September.

Premières

Pribaoutki was first heard in London with members of the London String Quartet and Olga Haley under the direction of Eugene [Goossens (composer)|Eugène Goossens] on February 22, 1918. This predates the Paris premiere on November 20, 1918, in a program that also included the Berceuses du chat; both works were accompanied by piano in this performance. The first Viennese performance with instrumental ensemble was given on June 6, 1919, at a concert of Arnold Schoenberg's Society for Private Musical Performances. Again, the program also included the Berceuses du chat.