Since its debut in 1913, Igor Stravinsky’s ballet The Rite of Spring has captivated and amazed audiences, solidifying its status as a pivotal moment in 20th-century orchestral music. With countless performances and recordings, the piece has inspired renowned choreographers and paved the way for other orchestral works. This week, Aurora Orchestra will achieve a groundbreaking milestone by performing the entire piece from memory.
In 2014, the idea of performing a piece by heart was conceived. The orchestra had already embraced unconventional concert presentations, with players moving while playing or seamlessly transitioning between pieces to create a cohesive narrative arc. It was only logical to explore what would happen if the entire orchestra committed a substantial piece, like a symphony, to memory. So, when the opportunity arose to perform Mozart’s 40th Symphony in this manner for the BBC Proms, it was eagerly embraced.
Fast forward almost a decade later, and Aurora Orchestra has successfully performed over 15 memorized pieces, including symphonies by Brahms, Beethoven, and Shostakovich, as well as new compositions. However, if someone had suggested back in 2014 that they would one day perform The Rite of Spring from memory, it would have seemed far-fetched. But here they are, ready to take the stage with complete confidence, no sheet music in sight.
Why is this such a significant achievement? The Rite of Spring has long been associated with orchestral virtuosity since its explosive premiere. While it may now be considered standard repertoire, it still demands intense concentration and technical skill to navigate its 35 minutes of brilliance. Stravinsky’s composition raised the bar for orchestral achievements in terms of sonic power, rhythmic complexity, color, and virtuosity. From the challenging opening bassoon solo to the mind-bending rhythmic maze of the closing Sacrificial Dance, every orchestral player must navigate treacherous paths throughout the piece.
Memorization amplifies these challenges. Take, for example, the Glorification of the Chosen One, a particularly terrifying section. It features 49 changes in meter within 58 bars, resulting in a constantly shifting rhythm. Within each bar, musicians may play up to 15 unpredictable and chromatic notes, requiring exceptional focus and coordination. Adding dynamics, articulation, and the need to listen to other parts, the amount of mental processing required is immense. Moreover, the piece moves at an accelerated pace, leaving no time for hesitation. It must be immediately accessible to the musicians to avoid losing their place. And just when the Glorification is conquered, there is still another 10 minutes remaining in the piece.
From a conductor’s perspective, The Rite of Spring is the most challenging piece to conduct from memory among all their memorized works. Unlike a Beethoven symphony, which most conductors might know well enough to conduct from memory intuitively, conducting The Rite requires conscious thought about time signatures. It’s a mentally demanding task.
But what about the players? Their responses vary, with some finding it easier and others much harder compared to memorizing other works. Despite the difficulties, there is an undeniable excitement among everyone involved in tackling this particular piece without sheet music. The Rite of Spring, once deemed unplayable and incomprehensible, now risks becoming a safe and expected part of the orchestral repertoire. Recapturing the danger and risk felt by the original performers in 1913 is a thrilling prospect. It’s also reassuring to know that if all the scores and parts of The Rite were to disappear, Aurora Orchestra could reconstruct the piece purely from memory.
The Aurora Orchestra’s performance of The Rite By Heart at the Proms on September 2nd is a momentous occasion. It represents the culmination of years of experimentation, pushing the boundaries of performance and exploring the possibilities of memorization. This groundbreaking approach not only showcases their musical talent but also reinvigorates a beloved piece of orchestral music, reminding audiences of its originality and audacity.
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