Fireworks

Igor Stravinsky’s ‘The Firebird Suite’, Decca Gold Label Series, 1958 This record cover of Stravinsky’s The Firebird on my July calendar page immediately makes me think of fireworks and Fourth of July celebrations, even though I’m not American.

Stravinsky wrote the music for Diaghilev’s Ballet Russes in 1910, and the ballet is based on a Russian folk tale of a magical glowing bird that is both blessing and curse to its captor. I don’t know the full story or the music, but Steinweiss’ graphic illustration seems to capture the glory of this mystical bird. The other cover is such a contrast, monumental and weighty to suit Beethoven’s symphony.

Whether you’re in for wintry blasts or a blaze of glory this month, happy July to you!

Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Columbia Masterworks, 1946