Igor Stravinsky's first ballet music 'The Firebird' was created under commission of Dyagilev specifically for his ballet company, the Ballet Rusee, as well as 'Petrushka' and 'The Rite of Spring'. That was why Dyagilev selected the young and untried Stravinsky, since Lyadov was first approached but gave no sign of finishing. Being partly still under the shadow of his teacher Rimsky-Korsakov, 'The Firebird' showed Stravinsky's boldness, originality, and skillful technique of orchestration. The success of this music brought Stravinsky fame as one of the greatest composers in the world at that time.
The mysterious story was adapted from Russian folklore in two acts by Fokine, the chief choreographer of the Ballet Russe. Prince Ivan is wandering at night in Kashchey's magic garden in pursuit of the Firebird, whom he catches, but releases in return for one of her feathers.
Thirteen enchanted princesses then appear. They dance a round dance, but are obliged to return to Kashchey's castle at sunrise. When Ivan goes alter them, the magic carillon awakens the monsters guarding the castle, and they capture him. Kashchey comes on the scene: he is a hideous ogre. The princesses intercede on Ivan's behalf, but nothing helps until he remembers the Firebird's feather and waves it in the air. The Firebird returns and casts a spell on Kashchey's subjects, who execute their 'Infernal Dance' and then are charmed by her lullaby. She also reveals to Ivan that he can dispose of Kashchey by breaking the egg which is the embodiment of his soul. Once this has been done the captive princesses, and the warriors who had been turned to stone for trespassing into the magician's domain, can all join in thanksgiving.
