MAIN MENU
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

V. FINALE

Katscheï and his retinue are destroyed. All of the prisoners are set free, including the Thirteenth Princess, whom the Prince weds. Over string tremolos, a solo horn plays a variation of the theme that was first presented by the flutes in the Princesses' Round. Other members of the orchestra incorporate the melody, as the Finale builds to a grandiose climax.


Link to William Caballero - principal horn - speaking about and playing an extract from this section

Explore the brass and violas playing an extract from this movement in the Music section