Stravinsky's Sparkling Music

September brings with it a rare performance of Stravinsky's 20th century masterpiece, A Soldier's Tale to the University of Southern Queensland.

Considered to be one of the most influential figures of last century, the Russian American composer wrote the piece at the end of World War I.

At the time, only limited artistic resources were available and many large orchestras disbanded or went into musical hibernation.

Stravinsky on the other hand, saw an opportunity.

He began to explore techniques and styles that were still very new to him and for practical reasons, composed a work which only called on minimal resources to tell his story.

Seven instrumentalists represented the four sections of the orchestra (clarinet, bassoon, cornet, trombone, percussion, violin and cello) and were joined by three actors (a narrator, the soldier and the devil) and a ballet dancer.

The Soldier's Tale will be performed by Music and Theatre students from the University's Bachelor of Creative Arts under the direction of Lecturer in Music, Mr Russell Bauer.

'This is an adventurous piece of music,' said Mr Bauer.

'It comprises near virtuosic parts which will offer the performers a real challenge and audiences a rare treat.'

Many styles are embraced in the program, from Stravinsky's beloved Lutheran chorales, to the Swiss Tango and even early examples of jazz harmony and rhythm."

The innovative composition also demonstrates experimentation in key and tonality and the extremely difficult time changes epitomise the experimental attitude Stravinsky had toward metre and pulse.

Full of humour, drama and ground-breaking music, the adventurous composition remains one of the most popular ensemble pieces written in the last 100 years."

The West-Star Motors Twilight Recital commences at 6pm in the USQ Arts Theatre on Wednesday 10 September.

Tickets to the recital are $16.50 for adults, $13.50 concession and $6 for primary and secondary school students. The ticket price also includes the chance to enjoy a glass of bubbly with the performers after the performance.

For further information and to book your tickets, call the USQ Artsworx Box Office on 46 31 1111.

Media Contact: Michelle Fox, USQ Artsworx, +61 7 4631 1114 or 0439 911 623