Les Noces (The Wedding), K040 [Alf:36-W746791]

LES NOCES (THE WEDDING), K040, first conceived in 1914, is a ballet by Igor Stravinsky for the Ballets Russes. As he began to develop an affinity for a colder, stripped-down musical aesthetic, the original instrumentation underwent several changes before its premiere on June 13, 1923 in Paris. Dedicated to Serge Diaghilev, the work is unusually scored for four pianos, four soloists, chorus, and percussion. Its four scenes, performed without break, depict the rituals before and after a wedding ceremony, ending in an effervescent feast. The chamber accompaniment conductor score and parts are available separately from Edwin F. Kalmus (A272702) and the choral score is available separately from LudwigMasters (W746691).