L'envol d'Icare
Encyclopedia
L'envol d'Icare is a score written (but never performed) as a ballet by the Ukrainian
composer Igor Markevitch
in 1932–33. It is notable for featuring a group of instruments tuned a quarter-tone above the rest of the orchestra, and for its use of polyrhythms.
. Markevitch wrote the initial sketches during a holiday spent at Cap Ferrat
in summer 1932. Lifar was initially positive about the music when he first heard it towards the end of that year, but then cooled; he concluded that, "the music was admirable, the idea of its union with dance seductive, but I had a clear sense that it would be impossible for me to bring my rhythm into accord with that of Markevitch."
Instead, Lifar agreed to a concert performance of the work, on Monday, 26 June 1933, under Roger Desormiere
. The composer started work on a version for two pianos and three percussion the same year, and reworked it as Icare in 1943, removing the altered tuning and some of the rhythmic complexities.
Ukraine
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It has an area of 603,628 km², making it the second largest contiguous country on the European continent, after Russia...
composer Igor Markevitch
Igor Markevitch
Igor Markevitch was a Ukrainian, Italian, and French composer and conductor.- Origin :Igor Markevich was born in Kiev, to an old family of Ukrainian Cossack starshyna ennobled in the 18th century...
in 1932–33. It is notable for featuring a group of instruments tuned a quarter-tone above the rest of the orchestra, and for its use of polyrhythms.
History
The work was intended as part of a ballet, with choreography by Serge LifarSerge Lifar
Serge Lifar ; 15 December 1986) was a French ballet dancer and choreographer of Ukrainian origin, famous as one of the greatest male ballet dancers of the 20th century.-Biography:Lifar was born in Kiev, Ukraine, then part of the Russian Empire...
. Markevitch wrote the initial sketches during a holiday spent at Cap Ferrat
Cap Ferrat
Cap Ferrat is situated in Alpes-Maritimes département, in southeastern France. It is located in the commune of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.Saint Hospitius lived here as a recluse during the sixth century...
in summer 1932. Lifar was initially positive about the music when he first heard it towards the end of that year, but then cooled; he concluded that, "the music was admirable, the idea of its union with dance seductive, but I had a clear sense that it would be impossible for me to bring my rhythm into accord with that of Markevitch."
Instead, Lifar agreed to a concert performance of the work, on Monday, 26 June 1933, under Roger Desormiere
Roger Désormière
Roger Désormière was a French conductor.Désormière was born in Vichy in 1898. He studied at the Paris Conservatoire, where his professors included Philippe Gaubert , Xavier Leroux and Charles Koechlin , and Vincent d'Indy...
. The composer started work on a version for two pianos and three percussion the same year, and reworked it as Icare in 1943, removing the altered tuning and some of the rhythmic complexities.
Movements
The work is in seven movements, lasting a total of approximately 27 minutes.- Prélude
- Jeux des Adolescents (Eveil de la Connaissance) (Games of the Adolescents (Awakening Knowledge))
- Icare attrape deux colombes... il etudie leur vol (Icarus traps two doves and studies their flight)
- lcare se fait fixer des ailles aux epaules: il essaye a voler (Icarus has wings fixed to his shoulders: he attempts flight)
- L 'Envol d'Icare (The Flight of Icarus)
- Ou l' on apprend la chiite d'Icare (Where news of Icarus' s fall is received)
- La mort d'Icare (Icarus's Death)