played by BBC Orchestra
(Section B)
Leader, Paul Beard
Conducted by Clarence Raybould
The story of The Firebird is based upon a Russian legend. The Firebird flies through a glade in the forest. Prince Ivan pursues it to the gates of the enchanted castle of Kashchez, the magician and fiend. There he captures the Firebird, who offers him a golden feather, a magic protection in all times of danger.
In the castle gardens are thirteen princesses, captives of Kashchez. Ivan falls in love with one of them and they all dance until dawn. He tries to follow them into the castle but he is seized by the guards. Ivan summons the Firebird, who throws all the inhabitants into a frantic dance, and when they sink exhausted to the ground lulls them to sleep. Ivan then gets hold of the magic egg in which the life of Kashchez is contained, smashes it, and the monster dies. All the captives are released and join in a joyous dance.