Episode 65: See the Music: Orpheus

City Ballet The Podcast

Associate Music Director Andrews Sill voyages into the beguiling score of George Balanchine and Igor Stravinsky's Orpheus in the latest See the Music episode. As Stravinsky describes, in a 1949 radio interview, Orpheus is a "long, sustained, slow chant," that utilizes ancient modes and inspirations without directly imitating ancient music. With select excerpts and piano demonstrations, Sills describes Stravinsky's use of a "rare form of kleptomania" to create an undeniably modern yet timeless sound. (16:13)

Edited by Emilie Silvestri

Interview excerpt from "Stravinsky Visits WQXR with Orpheus" by WQXR Features (1949)

Music: Orpheus (1947) by Igor Stravinsky Symphony in Three Movements (1945) by Igor Stravinsky

All music performed by New York City Ballet Orchestra.