Skip to main contentSkip to Xpert Chatbot

HarvardX: First Nights - Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring: Modernism, Ballet, and Riots

4.8 stars
6 ratings

Learn the fascinating history of Igor Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring , one of the most challenging and rewarding ballets ever written.

3 weeks
3–5 hours per week
Self-paced
Progress at your own speed
Free
Optional upgrade available

Choose your session:

23,415 already enrolled! After a course session ends, it will be archivedOpens in a new tab.
Starts Nov 20
Ends Dec 4
Enroll
Starts Dec 4
Enroll
First Nights - Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring: Modernism, Ballet, and Riots

About this course

Skip About this course

Igor Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring premiered in Paris in 1913, sparking a riot and screaming so loud that the dancers could not hear the orchestra, and the choreographer had to shout numbers from backstage to keep the dancers on beat.

The Rite of Spring continues to challenge listeners. According to Stravinsky, The Rite of Spring was intended to portray “the surge of spring, the magnificent upsurge of nature reborn.” As you will see, Stravinsky’s description is almost frighteningly apt!

Harvard’s Thomas Forrest Kelly (Morton B. Knafel Professor of Music) guides learners through The Rite of Spring , highlighting not only the contributions of Stravinsky, the composer, but also those of his collaborators. Professor Kelly takes learners through the ballet’s development, rehearsals, and finally, premiere performance, and he explores just how and why The Rite of Spring challenged (and to a certain extent, continues to challenge) its listeners.

You will learn about the ballet’s innovative choreography, the basics of 20th-century orchestral form and technique, and the circumstances of this ballet’s first performance and subsequent history. Learners in this course need not have any prior musical experience.

At a glance

  • Language: English
  • Video Transcript: English
  • Associated programs:
  • Associated skills:Choreography

What you'll learn

Skip What you'll learn
  • Identify and describe forms and techniques used in 20th-century orchestral music
  • Understand approaches to ballet choreography in the 20th century
  • Appreciate cultural context and performance circumstances of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring

More about this course

Skip More about this course

HarvardX Honor Code

HarvardX requires individuals who enroll in its courses on edX to abide by the terms of the edX honor code. HarvardX will take appropriate corrective action in response to violations of the edX honor code, which may include dismissal from the HarvardX course; revocation of any certificates received for the HarvardX course; or other remedies as circumstances warrant. No refunds will be issued in the case of corrective action for such violations. Enrollees who are taking HarvardX courses as part of another program will also be governed by the academic policies of those programs.

HarvardX Nondiscrimination/Anti-Harassment Statement
Harvard University and HarvardX are committed to maintaining a safe and healthy educational and work environment in which no member of the community is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination or harassment in our program. All members of the HarvardX community are expected to abide by Harvard policies on nondiscrimination, including sexual harassment, and the edX Terms of Service. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact harvardx@harvard.edu and/or report your experience through the edX contact form.

HarvardX Research Statement
HarvardX pursues the science of learning. By registering as an online learner in an HX course, you will also participate in research about learning. Read our research statement to learn more.

This course is part of Classical Works XSeries Program

Learn more 
Expert instruction
5 high-quality courses
Self-paced
Progress at your own speed
4 months
3 - 5 hours per week

Ways to take this course

Choose your path when you enroll.

Certificate

Free

Price

$149 USD

-

Access to course materials

Unlimited

Limited

Expires on Dec 11

World-class institutions and universities

edX support

Shareable certificate upon completion

Graded assignments and exams

Read our FAQsin a new tab about frequently asked questions on these tracks.

Interested in this course for your business or team?

Train your employees in the most in-demand topics, with edX For Business.