Stravinsky’s famous piece “The Rite of Spring” depicts a ritualistic sacrifice to the earth that also signifies the power of spring, according to Stravinsky’s program notes. While this piece and the accompanying choreography can feel abstract and hard to connect to for many people, the effects that come from the winter finally coming to an end provide a much more universal connection. In the 1959 Arizona Tribune article “Sight and Sounds”, Eloise Banks explored the many small rituals that the spring compels people to do.
In the beginning of this article, Banks describes how suddenly spring comes in the desert, saying “One day you are grumbling about the March wind and the crispiness in the desert breeze. Before you can grumble another day- the weather has reached an all-time high”. The effect of this sudden heat, Banks claims, is a lack of motivation and a general sense of drudgery. As someone currently living in Arizona, I certainly agree with this idea. As soon as the weather is no longer feels cold, it is suddenly way too hot to feel like you can do anything.
After describing spring in the desert, Banks contrasts these depictions with how spring affects those in colder climates. She describes that “In the Midwest, my family is figuring a way to beat the mounting fuel bill as the snow continues to fall”. This idea of wanting winter to end as soon as possible directly contrasts the earlier depiction of wanting it to stay cool longer, showing Banks’ larger idea that spring is a period of change for all. She then ends her article by describing a common and much-dreaded experience that affects all during the spring — filing income taxes.
While the connection to Stravinsky in this article is not super direct, I do think it brings up a good point about what has allowed “The Rite of Spring” to become so successful. In addition to its creative and brilliant themes, this piece portrays the turmoil and change that comes from the season of spring. Because of this, a piece that sounds strange and non-melodic to most audiences can in a way still be relatable.