Stravinsky: The Firebird

Enchanting, glistening, exotic, Stravinsky's Firebird was commissioned for Diaghilev's Ballets Russes. In this Russian legend, Prince Ivan enlists the help of the mystical Firebird to defeat the evil Kastchei, compelling the sorcerer and his menacing troupe to dance themselves to collapse in a frenetic 'Infernal Dance' before finally a solo horn announces the joyful arrival of sunlight and the destruction of Kastchei's powers. Nights in the Gardens of Spain is drenched with the rich, dark colours of De Falla's beloved Andalusia.