Igor Stravinsky was born in Lomonosov, Russia, on June 17, 1882, and died in New York on April 6, 1971. The first performance of Pétrouchka took place at the Théâtre du Chatelet in Paris, France, on June 13, 1911, with Pierre Monteux conducting. 

The 1947 version of Pétrouchka is scored for three flutes (3rd doubling piccolo), two oboes, English horn, three clarinets (3rd doubling bass clarinet), two bassoons, contrabassoon, four horns, three trumpets, three trombones, tuba, timpani, triangle, xylophone, cymbals, tam-tam, tambourine, bass drum/cymbals, suspended cymbal, three snare drums, harp, celesta, piano, and strings. Approximate performance time is thirty-four minutes.

Pétrouchka, along with The Firebird (1910) and The Rite of Spring (1913), form the remarkable trilogy of ballets Igor Stravinsky composed for Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes. The premiere of Stravinsky’s Pétrouchka took place at the Paris Théâtre du Chatelet on June 13, 1911. The legendary dancer Vaslav Nijinsky interpreted the title role. After witnessing Nijinsky’s performance, Sarah Bernhardt exclaimed: “I am afraid, I am afraid – because I have just seen the greatest actor in the world!”

While the production was generally a success, more than a few observers were taken aback by music that was at times brittle, caustic, and even grotesque. One critic approached Diaghilev after a dress rehearsal and exclaimed: “And it was to hear this that you invited us!” “Exactly,” was Diaghilev’s reply. 

I. The Shrovetide Fair: The action of Pétrouchka takes place in the 1830s in Admiralty Square, St. Petersburg, during Shrovetide rejoicing. Stravinsky’s brilliant orchestration and rapidly shifting rhythms magically depict the hustle and bustle of the fair. An organ grinder and dancing girl entertain the crowd. Drummers announce the appearance of the Old Wizard, who charms the captivated audience. The Old Wizard uses a flute to cast a magic spell. The curtain rises on a tiny theater, revealing three puppets – Pétrouchka, the Ballerina, and the Moor. The puppets perform a vigorous Russian dance (Danse Russe).

II. Pétrouchka’s Cell: Pétrouchka lands in his cell with a resounding crash. Although Pétrouchka is a puppet, he feels human emotions, including bitterness toward the Old Wizard for his imprisonment, and love for the beautiful Ballerina. Pétrouchka unsuccessfully tries to escape from his cell. The Ballerina enters. Pétrouchka attempts to profess his love, but the Ballerina rejects his pathetic advances.

III. The Moor’s Cell: The scene changes to the Moor’s lavishly decorated cell. The Ballerina, who is attracted by the Moor’s handsome appearance, enters his room. The two begin their lovemaking (Valse), interrupted by the entrance of Pétrouchka. The angry Moor chases Pétrouchka away.

IV. The Fair: The scene returns to the fairground toward evening, various characters come and go (Wet-Nurses’ Dance, Peasant with Bear, Gypsies and a Rake Vendor, Dance of the Coachmen, and Masqueraders). At the height of the festivities, a cry is heard from the puppet-theater. The Moor chases Pétrouchka into the crowd and kills him with his scimitar (Death of Pétrouchka).

The police question the Old Wizard, who assures everyone that Pétrouchka is but a puppet with a wooden head, and a body filled with sawdust. Night falls, and the crowd disperses. Alone, the Old Wizard is terrified to see the leering ghost of Pétrouchka on the roof of the little theater.