Igor Stravinsky's Renard (The Fox) is a burlesque to be sung, played and danced, and was written in 1916 as a result of a commission from Princess Edmond de Polignac (Winnaretta Singer, heiress to the sewing machine company).
Based on Russian folk tales, the story is a farmyard tale in which the Cock is twice tricked and captured by the Fox, only to be rescued each time by the Cat and the Goat. After the Cock's second rescue, the Cat and the Goat strangle the Fox, and the three friends dance and sing. There are two tenor, and two bass soloists, though they don't have fixed roles, being treated more like instruments in the orchestra - in this case a chamber orchestra with percussion and timpani, and with a prominent part for a cimbalom which acts as stand-in for the Russian guzla folk instrument. The piece starts and ends with a little march during which the performers enter and exit the stage.
Ernest Ansermet gave the first performance with the Ballets Russes in Paris in 1922.
More about Renard can be read in the pieces by Maureen Buja and Helen Wong. Click on the sleevenotes below to enlarge.
In this 1962 recording Stravinsky himself conducts, and it is sung in English.
Cartridge: Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC Star
Phono amp: Graham Slee Accession MC with Enigma power supply
Turntable: CTC Classic 301 / SME M2-12-R
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| Click to enlarge |
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