Emma Wilson
How the Mushrooms Went to War is a composition by Igor Stravinsky for bass and piano. It was composed in 1904 and published by Boosey & Hawkes. The sheet music is available from various sources, and the composition has been performed by the Harmonie Ensemble of New York.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Composer | Igor Stravinsky |
| Publisher/Label | Boosey & Hawkes |
| Year of composition | 1904 |
| Product number | BH 10654 |
| ISMN13 | 979-0-060-10654-5 |
| Weight | 0.06 kg |
| Pages | 12 |
| Format | 23.1cm x 30.3cm |
| Binding | Saddle-wire stitching |
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What You'll Learn
'How the Mushrooms Went to War' sheet music
The sheet music for 'How the Mushrooms Went to War' is available for bass and piano. It was composed by Igor Stravinsky and can be purchased from Boosey & Hawkes MP Ltd. The sheet music is part of the Christopher Norton Concert Collection and the Shostakovich Symphony Editions, among other series. The price for the sheet music is £16.50.
Igor Stravinsky was a renowned composer and is considered one of the most important and influential composers of the 20th century. He is known for his bold, innovative style and use of unconventional harmonies.
'How the Mushrooms Went to War' is a playful and whimsical piece, characteristic of Stravinsky's unique style. The composition is part of his larger work, 'The Fairy's Kiss', which was first performed in 1928. The ballet is based on Hans Christian Andersen's story 'The Ice Maiden' and 'How the Mushrooms Went to War' is a light-hearted interlude within the larger, more dramatic work.
The sheet music for 'How the Mushrooms Went to War' is suitable for intermediate to advanced players and is a wonderful addition to any bassist or pianist's repertoire. It offers a unique and challenging musical experience, reflecting Stravinsky's innovative approach to composition and his ability to create captivating and imaginative works.
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Bass and piano composition
"How the Mushrooms Went to War" is a musical composition for bass and piano by Igor Stravinsky. Composed in 1904 and published by Boosey & Hawkes, the sheet music for this piece is widely available.
The composition is a dialogue between the bass and piano, with each instrument contributing unique colours and textures to the overall tapestry of sound. The piano, with its ability to create a wide range of dynamics and timbres, often takes on a more expressive and melodic role, while the bass provides a strong foundation and adds depth to the performance.
In this piece, Stravinsky explores a range of emotions and themes, likely inspired by the title's whimsical imagery. The interplay between the bass and piano can be used to create tension and release, with moments of dissonance and resolution. The bass line could mirror the steady march of soldiers, while the piano provides a more delicate, decorative counterpoint, evoking the mysterious and whimsical nature of mushrooms.
The composition may also incorporate elements of humour and satire, reflecting on the absurdity of war through the lens of mushrooms. The bass could represent the more stoic and determined aspects of the narrative, while the piano's higher register adds a touch of lightness and whimsy. This interplay between the two instruments creates a dynamic and engaging performance, full of contrast and surprise.
When composing for bass and piano, it is essential to consider the unique capabilities and limitations of each instrument. The piano has a wide range of notes and can create rich harmonies, while the bass often focuses on a narrower range, emphasising the lower register. Effective compositions utilise this combination to create a satisfying blend of timbres, with the piano's brightness complementing the bass's warmth.
In "How the Mushrooms Went to War," Stravinsky likely exploited these characteristics to create a distinctive and captivating work, showcasing the potential for expressive and imaginative storytelling through the interplay of bass and piano.
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Composed by Igor Stravinsky
"How the Mushrooms Went to War" is a musical composition by Igor Stravinsky for bass and piano. The composition was written in 1904 and published by Boosey & Hawkes. The sheet music for "How the Mushrooms Went to War" is available from various sources, including nkoda and schott-music.com. The composition is also performed by the Harmonie Ensemble of New York, which can be listened to on Pandora.
Igor Stravinsky is a renowned Russian composer and pianist, known for his innovative and influential work in the field of classical music. Born in 1882 in Oranienbaum, Russia, Stravinsky is considered one of the most important and influential composers of the 20th century. He is known for his bold, rhythmic style and experimentation with different musical genres, including ballet and opera. Stravinsky's work often blended complex rhythms and tonal harmonies with traditional folk melodies.
"How the Mushrooms Went to War" is a lesser-known work by Stravinsky, composed early in his career. The piece showcases Stravinsky's playful side, with a whimsical title that hints at a fantastical narrative. The composition is written for bass and piano, creating a rich and dynamic sound palette. The sheet music provides a glimpse into the compositional techniques and ideas that Stravinsky employed in this early period of his career.
Stravinsky's compositions are known for their rhythmic energy and innovative use of harmony. His works often feature unconventional instrumental combinations, as seen in "How the Mushrooms Went to War" with its pairing of bass and piano. Stravinsky's style has influenced numerous composers and continues to shape contemporary classical music. His body of work includes ballets, operas, concertos, and various other instrumental and vocal compositions.
"How the Mushrooms Went to War" stands as a testament to Stravinsky's creativity and unique approach to composition. While the specific inspiration behind this piece remains a mystery, it likely reflects Stravinsky's playful spirit and willingness to explore musical narratives beyond the traditional realms of classical music. The composition invites musicians and listeners alike to embark on a sonic journey, where mushrooms come alive and march off to war, perhaps in a whimsical dance or an epic battle, as depicted through Stravinsky's distinctive musical language.
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Published by Boosey & Hawkes
The composition is scored for a three-part choir, with soprano, alto, and optional treble or tenor parts, accompanied by an orchestra or ensemble. The music is tonal and accessible, with a mix of lively and lyrical sections. The opening features a lively and rhythmic exchange between the choir and orchestra, depicting the mushrooms' journey to Bethlehem. This is followed by a more lyrical and tranquil section as the mushrooms arrive at their destination.
The lyrics by David Sugden are whimsical and playful, with a mix of humour and tenderness. They describe the mushrooms, with their unique appearance, travelling to Bethlehem, guided by an unusual moon. The mushrooms encounter obstacles on their journey, adding a sense of adventure to their tale.
The work concludes with a festive and celebratory tone as the mushrooms reach their destination, providing a joyful and entertaining finish to this unique musical journey.
How the Mushrooms Went to War offers a creative and light-hearted approach to the nativity story, engaging young performers and audiences with its charm and humour. It presents a fresh and memorable take on traditional Christmas themes.
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Performed by the Harmonie Ensemble of New York
The Harmonie Ensemble of New York, conducted by Steven Richman, has released a CD of Igor Stravinsky's "Histoire du Soldat Suite for 7 instruments", which includes the early satirical song "How the Mushrooms Went to War". The CD, released on Bridge Records, is the ensemble's 14th and also features performances by Mark Peskanov and Lucy Shelton.
The song "How the Mushrooms Went to War" includes the line "They said they were senators, exempt from going to war". The CD comes with an informative and entertaining booklet, which includes the anecdote that Stravinsky was once arrested in Boston's Symphony Hall for "tampering with public property" due to his orchestration of "The Star-Spangled Banner".
Reviews of the CD note that there are some defects on the track "How the Mushrooms Went to War", with a particularly bad tape splice at 4 minutes and 8 seconds. Despite this, the performance itself is well-regarded. The Harmonie Ensemble of New York has also released music on Pandora.
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Frequently asked questions
Igor Stravinsky composed 'How the Mushrooms Went to War' in 1904.
'How the Mushrooms Went to War' is available in print as sheet music for bass and piano.
You can find recordings of the composition on platforms like Pandora and nkoda.
The product number is BH 10654.
