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The story of the Firebird Suite is based on a Russian folk tale and is divided into five movements.
Please select a movement below to explore the story (Notes by Kenneth H. Meltzer)

I. INTRODUCTION: THE FIREBIRD AND HER DANCE; VARIATION OF THE FIREBIRD

II. THE PRINCESSES' ROUND: KHOROVODE

III. INFERNAL DANCE OF KING KATSCHEÏ

IV. BERCEUSE

V. FINALE

II. THE PRINCESSES' ROUND: KHOROVODE

The Prince comes to the courtyard of an enchanted castle, where he finds thirteen beautiful Princesses, captives of the evil magician Katscheï. Their dance begins with the flutes softly intoning a theme that will return in the majestic Finale. The oboe introduces the principal melody of the Princesses' dance, which maintains the utmost delicacy throughout. The Princesses warn Prince Ivan not to enter the castle, for Katscheï has the power to turn intruders to stone. The Prince boldly ignores their warnings and enters the castle.

Link to Robert Langevin - principal flute - speaking about and playing an extract from this section

Link to Cynthia Koledo DeAlmeida - principal oboe - speaking about and singing an extract from this section