Description
Erik Satie’s Parade was a ground breaking collaboration between a number of the leading artistic minds of the early 20th century: Satie (music), Cocteau (scenario), Picasso (costumes and sets), Massine (choreography), and Diaghilev (whose Ballets Russes staged the ballet). In the ballet three groups of circus artists (a Chinese conjurer, a Young American girl, Acrobats and their respective managers) put on an impromptu performance outside a Parisian theatre in an attempt to entice onlookers in to see the full show.
Sometimes called the first Cubist ballet Parade is laden with experimentation and daring. Cocteau, in particular, was intent on provoking the sort of reaction that Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring had received just a few years earlier. The première of the ballet in 1917 was indeed met with audience uproar and critics were also vicious in their response, calling it ‘une mystification’ and – even worse – a ‘dung-like jest, faecal amusement’. The controversy and publicity, however, ultimately served to boost the international status of the collaborators.
In this arrangement for wind quintet and piano (which has been created by reference to both Satie’s original piano four hands and orchestral versions) an optional percussion part has also been added. Special thanks must go to Doug Fleming for his invaluable assistance in the production of this part.
The percussion part can be played by a single player. The instruments required are: Cymbal (suspended), Snare Drum, Bass Drum (or Low Tom), Tambourine, Tam-tam, Woodblock, Xylophone, Siren, Ratchet, Typewriter (although this can be substituted with the wind players clattering their keys), Gun/slapstick and Signal Horn.
Choral – I Prélude du rideau rouge (Prelude of the red curtain) – II Prestidigitateur chinois (Chinese Conjurer) – III Petite Fille Américaine (Young American Girl) – IV Ragtime du Paquebot (Ragtime of the Passenger Steamer) – V Acrobates (Acrobats) – Final – VI Suite au Prélude du rideau rouge (Continuation of the Prelude of the red curtain)
