Pulcinella

Definition

Pulcinella is a character from Italian commedia dell'arte known for his distinctive, stock features and a playful, often mischievous personality. This character became the inspiration for Igor Stravinsky's neoclassical ballet, which blends traditional Italian elements with modern orchestration and composition techniques, reflecting the broader artistic movement of Neoclassicism in the early 20th century.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Stravinsky's 'Pulcinella' premiered in 1920 and is considered a landmark work in neoclassical music.
2. The score incorporates elements from earlier composers like Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, blending these with Stravinsky's own modern style.
3. Pulcinella represents a playful juxtaposition of old and new, embodying the essence of the Neoclassical movement's revival of classical forms.
4. Stravinsky's work features a smaller orchestration compared to his earlier ballets, emphasizing clarity and delicacy in instrumentation.
5. The ballet's narrative revolves around themes of love, deception, and social hierarchy, reflective of the comedic traditions of commedia dell'arte.

Review Questions

• How does Pulcinella as a character reflect the characteristics of commedia dell'arte, and how does this influence Stravinsky's composition?
  • Pulcinella embodies key traits of commedia dell'arte through his exaggerated physical features and humorous personality. This connection allows Stravinsky to infuse his ballet with the playful spirit of traditional Italian theater while also integrating sophisticated musical elements. The character's antics mirror the comedy found in commedia dell'arte, which Stravinsky captures through his innovative orchestration and thematic exploration in the ballet.
• Discuss how Stravinsky’s 'Pulcinella' serves as an example of Neoclassicism in music and what this says about the cultural context of its time.
  • Stravinsky's 'Pulcinella' exemplifies Neoclassicism by merging classical influences with modern musical language. The work revives traditional forms while incorporating contemporary harmonies and rhythms. This approach reflects a broader cultural desire in the early 20th century to reconnect with the past while still pushing artistic boundaries, showcasing a tension between nostalgia for classical ideals and modern innovation in art.
• Evaluate the impact of Stravinsky's 'Pulcinella' on future generations of composers and its legacy within the neoclassical movement.
  • Stravinsky's 'Pulcinella' significantly influenced subsequent generations by demonstrating how classical styles could be revitalized through modern techniques. Its unique blend of humor, narrative depth, and orchestral color set a precedent for neoclassical works that followed. The legacy of 'Pulcinella' lies in its ability to inspire composers to explore classical elements while innovating within their own styles, fostering a rich dialogue between tradition and modernity that resonates throughout 20th-century music.

Related terms

Commedia dell'arte: A form of theatrical performance characterized by improvised dialogue and a cast of stock characters, originating in Italy during the 16th century.

Neoclassicism: An artistic movement that drew inspiration from classical antiquity, emphasizing harmony, clarity, and restraint in the arts during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Stravinsky: Igor Stravinsky was a Russian composer known for his innovative works that transformed music in the 20th century, including 'The Firebird', 'Petrushka', and 'The Rite of Spring'.