Which composer wrote the orchestral suite The Firebird, premiered in Paris in 1910?

Igor Stravinsky wrote the orchestral suite The Firebird, whose original ballet premiered in Paris in 1910.

The ballet was commissioned by Sergei Diaghilev for his Ballets Russes. Its story combines figures from Russian folklore, including the magical Firebird and the evil sorcerer Kashchei. The successful premiere made Stravinsky internationally famous almost overnight.

The original ballet score is a large-scale orchestral work. Stravinsky later prepared several concert suites, allowing the music to be performed without the complete ballet. These suites differ in length and instrumentation, so references to “The Firebird” may mean either the ballet or one of the concert versions.

The work is often discussed with Stravinsky’s later ballets Petrushka and The Rite of Spring, but they are distinct compositions. The Firebird’s colorful orchestration reflects the influence of Russian composers such as Rimsky-Korsakov, who had taught Stravinsky in Saint Petersburg.