STRAVINSKY – Parasha’s Aria (from the opera buffa ‘Mavra’) – TWO CELLOS

Other Identification:
Mavra is a one-act comic opera composed by Igor Stravinsky, and one of the earliest works of Stravinsky’s neo-classical period. Mavra is about 25 minutes long, and features two arias, a duet, and a quartet performed by its cast of four characters. The opera has been characterised as both an homage to Russian writers, and a satire of bourgeois manners.
Mavra was first hard at the Théatre national de l’Opéra in Paris on 3rd June 1922, but the opera was a failure at the premiere. However, Stravinsky himself thought very highly of this composition, saying once that “Mavra seems to me the best thing I’ve done”. Erik Satie praised the work after its premiere. The composer reacted with hostility to people who criticized it in later years.
Perhaps one of the more innovative aspects of Mavra is the orchestration – with for only a handful of strings (a string quintet), but enormous woodwinds and brass (in all, 22 woodwind and brass players plus the timpani). Was Stravinsky mocking the traditional opera pit orchestra?! Anyway, Parasha’s opening aria has the spirit of a Russian folk tune, with a ‘mundane’ accompaniment. The qualities of opera buffa are unmistakable!
This two Cello arrangement by Annalies Smit van Hüüsloot