Igor Strawinsky

The Soldier's Tale

L'Histoire du soldat (translated as The Soldier's Tale), is a theatrical work 'to be read, played, and danced' by three actors and one or several dancers, accompanied by a septet of instruments whicharetranscribed in this French, English and German vocal score into a Piano accompaniment.

The piece was conceived by Igor Stravinsky and Swiss writer C. F. Ramuz based on a Russian folk tale 'The Runaway Soldierandthe Devil'. The story of the soldier who trades his Fiddle to the devil in return for unlimited economic gain is told by three actors: the soldier, the devil, and a narrator, who also takes on the roles of minor characters. Adancer plays the non-speaking role of the princess, and there may also be additional ensemble dancers. A full performance of The Soldier's Tale takes about an hour.

Russian composer, pianist andconductorIgor Fyodorovich Stravinsky is widely considered one of the most important and influential composers of the 20th century.