Pulcinella

Definition

Pulcinella is a puppet character from the Italian commedia dell'arte tradition, often depicted as a clever servant with a hunchback and a long nose. This character symbolizes the spirit of Neoclassicism, as seen in Igor Stravinsky's ballet 'Pulcinella', which draws on earlier music forms while blending them with modern elements. The work represents a significant moment in the evolution of classical music, connecting historical styles to modernist innovations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Stravinsky's 'Pulcinella' premiered in 1920 and is considered one of the key works that marked his shift towards Neoclassicism.
2. The score of 'Pulcinella' is based on music attributed to Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, showcasing Stravinsky's ability to reinterpret and modernize older styles.
3. The ballet combines elements of comedy and drama, reflecting the character of Pulcinella, who often finds himself in humorous or absurd situations.
4. Stravinsky's approach to orchestration in 'Pulcinella' highlights his innovative use of instrumental colors and textures, marking a departure from romantic conventions.
5. The success of 'Pulcinella' helped establish Stravinsky as a leading figure in 20th-century classical music, influencing many composers who followed.

Review Questions

• How does the character Pulcinella serve as a representation of Neoclassical ideals in Stravinsky's ballet?
  • The character Pulcinella embodies Neoclassical ideals by blending traditional comedic elements from commedia dell'arte with modern sensibilities. In Stravinsky's ballet, Pulcinella acts as a bridge between past musical styles and contemporary innovation. The whimsical yet clever nature of Pulcinella allows Stravinsky to explore themes of artifice while paying homage to earlier musical traditions, illustrating how Neoclassicism sought to revive and reinterpret classical concepts.
• In what ways does Stravinsky's orchestration in 'Pulcinella' reflect modernist tendencies while still acknowledging historical influences?
  • Stravinsky's orchestration in 'Pulcinella' reflects modernist tendencies through his innovative use of instrumentation and texture. While drawing upon Pergolesi's music, he reimagines the orchestral palette to create unique sonic landscapes that diverge from traditional Romantic orchestration. This duality showcases Stravinsky's ability to embrace historical influences while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of contemporary musical language, exemplifying how modernism can coexist with reverence for the past.
• Evaluate how 'Pulcinella' marks a turning point in Stravinsky's compositional style and its implications for the evolution of classical music.
  • 'Pulcinella' represents a pivotal shift in Stravinsky's compositional style from the boldness of works like 'The Rite of Spring' to a more reflective and neoclassical approach. This transition indicates an evolving perspective on music that values structure and form while embracing wit and humor. The implications for classical music are profound, as Stravinsky’s integration of past musical idioms with modern elements opened new pathways for composers to explore synthesis rather than strict innovation, ultimately shaping the trajectory of 20th-century music.

Related terms

Commedia dell'arte: An improvisational theatre style that originated in Italy during the 16th century, featuring stock characters and physical comedy.

Stravinsky: Igor Stravinsky was a revolutionary Russian composer whose works, including 'The Firebird' and 'The Rite of Spring', changed the landscape of classical music in the 20th century.

Neoclassicism:

An artistic movement that emerged in the 20th century, characterized by a return to classical forms and styles, often incorporating elements from earlier music periods.