In Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale, a soldier is on leave and encounters the “devil.” But this devil is not what you would expect.
After listening to many performances of this work, a realization came to me. This isn’t the Devil at all! This being is more like the Fae or a Trickster god, similar to the character Coyote from Patricia Brigg’s Mercy Thompson series or even Loki from Norse mythology.
Their first interaction is a great example. The soldier is minding his own business traveling on a dusty road to see his mama and girlfriend, while rummaging through his pack he pulls out a violin. And this instrument is cheap and needs constant tuning.
And up pops the “devil” to strike a bargain for that violin. The devil offers the soldier a magical book that can foretell four days in advance. But once the devil tries playing the violin he realizes he may need a bit of instruction from the soldier. The devil then tells the soldier to come with him for three days, and if you know your folklore three is quite the magical number, to teach the devil to play the violin.
The soldier is hesitant at first but the devil reassures him that he will eat the finest food, sleep in the most comfy bed and smoke imported cigars. On the third day the devil tells the soldier to kick rocks and go back to his life.
BUT once he is on his path again and sees familiar people they act like they are seeing a zombie. His own mama screams and slams the door in his face. The soldier then comes to the horrifying realization that YEARS have passed! Doesn't that remind you of someone else, Rip Van Winkle, and his encounter with magical beings?
And that is just the first part of the Soldier’s Tale. We see the “devil” come back in many forms and disguises. And he always uses word play or games to trick the soldier. There is never any fire and brimstone in this story.
Even the music reinforces the Fae or Trickster aspect of this character. Take the Soldier's March, for example. A military march should be steady and predictable, but Stravinsky seems determined to keep us guessing. The rhythms stumble, accents fall in unexpected places, and even the dances seem a little mischievous. It's almost as if the music itself is playing tricks on us. And if you listen closely, you might find yourself wondering who's really in control of this story.Will the soldier outsmart the “devil” or will he fall into ruin? Join us on November 8th to find out!
Another major realization I had while researching this piece is that the narrator is the glue to the entire performance. Excited is a mild word for the feelings I have just thinking about what Aaron Lamb, Producing Artistic Director for Harlequin Productions, will bring to the role! Hint: next week’s blog may feature Aaron or I could be tricking you.
Remember there are limited tickets to this performance so get your tickets now! See you in just a few weeks!!
