Pulcinella

Definition

Pulcinella is a character from Italian commedia dell'arte known for his distinctive hunchbacked appearance and comedic antics. In the context of music, 'Pulcinella' refers to a ballet composed by Igor Stravinsky in 1920, which was inspired by the Baroque style and showcased the Neo-Baroque trends in 20th-century music, bridging the past with contemporary ideas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Stravinsky's 'Pulcinella' was a significant work that reimagined elements of Baroque music through a modern lens, contributing to the revival of interest in older styles during the 20th century.
2. The ballet premiered in Paris in 1920 and was performed by the Ballets Russes, a groundbreaking company that played a crucial role in promoting innovative choreography and music.
3. Stravinsky's composition incorporates elements from several Baroque composers, including Pergolesi, blending them with his own distinctive harmonic language.
4. The character of Pulcinella embodies themes of trickery and cleverness, which resonate through the music and choreography of the ballet, reflecting the playful spirit of the original commedia dell'arte performances.
5. The success of 'Pulcinella' marked a pivotal moment in Stravinsky's career, solidifying his position as a leading figure in the Neo-Classical movement and influencing future generations of composers.

Review Questions

• How does Stravinsky's 'Pulcinella' reflect Neo-Baroque trends in 20th-century music?
  • 'Pulcinella' embodies Neo-Baroque trends by reinterpreting Baroque musical elements while incorporating modern techniques. Stravinsky drew inspiration from composers like Pergolesi and blended traditional forms with his unique harmonic language. This fusion not only showcased the beauty of Baroque style but also highlighted the relevance of past musical traditions in contemporary compositions.
• What role did commedia dell'arte play in shaping the character and themes of Pulcinella in Stravinsky's ballet?
  • Commedia dell'arte provided the foundation for Pulcinella's character, characterized by humor and cunning. Stravinsky's ballet captures this essence by employing playful choreography and music that echo the comedic antics found in traditional performances. The ballet not only pays homage to its theatrical roots but also revitalizes the character for modern audiences, creating a bridge between historic performance art and contemporary ballet.
• Evaluate the impact of 'Pulcinella' on Stravinsky's career and its significance in the context of early 20th-century music.
  • 'Pulcinella' significantly impacted Stravinsky's career by establishing him as a prominent composer within the Neo-Classical movement. Its successful premiere marked a turning point, demonstrating how older musical styles could be transformed into innovative works relevant to contemporary audiences. The ballet's fusion of Baroque influences with modern sensibilities not only influenced Stravinsky's future compositions but also paved the way for other composers to explore historical styles, leading to a broader appreciation for diverse musical traditions in early 20th-century music.

Related terms

Commedia dell'arte: A form of improvisational theater that originated in Italy in the 16th century, characterized by masked types and stock characters, including Pulcinella.

Neo-Classicism: An artistic movement in the early 20th century that sought to revive and reinterpret classical forms and styles, heavily influencing composers like Stravinsky.

Baroque:

A period in music history from approximately 1600 to 1750, known for its ornate compositions and expressive use of harmony, which served as a foundation for later Neo-Baroque works.