CLXXII. STRAVINSKY, Igor: Perséphone

CLXXII. STRAVINSKY, Igor (1882-1971)

Perséphone, a Melodrama in three parts (1934)
1. Perséphone ravie (Persephone Abducted)
2. Perséphone aux enfers (Persephone in the Underworld)
3. Perséphone renaissante (Persephone Restored)
Text by André Gide
Nicolai Gedda, tenor
Claude Nollier, narrator
Chorale de l'Université de Paris
Paris Conservatory Orchestra
André Cluytens, cond.
[scrolling score]
(52:14)

Of course, the term melodrama -- meaning a dramatic work with sensationalized and highly emotional characteristics -- is here meant as a specific type of musical composition -- in this case, a choral work with tenor soloist and narrator; a "recitative with instruments."

The tenor is Eumolpus, the Eleusinian Priest; the narrator is Persephone, the Goddess.

Gide's inspiration was the Homeric Hymn to Demeter. According to this ancient hymn:

"Persephone, daughter of the Earth-Mother Demeter, was by Hades snatched away ... she was playing with the deep-bosomed maidens of Oceanus, was gathering flowers -- roses, and crocuses, and fair violets in the soft meadow, and lilies and hyacinths, and the narcissus which the earth brought forth as a snare to the fair-faced maiden ... Wondrously bloomed the flower, a marvel for all to see, whether deathless gods or deathly men ... the maiden marveled and stretched forth both her hands to seize the fair plaything, but the wide-wayed earth gaped and up rushed the Prince ... against her will he seized her, and drove off her weeping in his golden chariot, but she shrilled aloud, calling on Father Cronides, the highest of gods and the best."

Robert Craft:

"The whole work -- to quote from its text -- is as fresh as 'the world's first morning, and all our hearts are filled with joy.'"

This is not the Stravinsky of the ballet period -- his writing is much more neoclassical, but constantly endowed and renewed with his energetic spirit.