Music Soothes the Savage Beast?

By Drew

Last month I noted the fight that broke out at a Boston Pops concert. Well, today is the anniversary of perhaps the most famous riot in the history of classical music, the mêlée that broke out at the premiere of Stravinsky's Rite of Spring.

Here is a You Tube link to a BBC video reenactment of the premiere performance. Part One A particularly highlights the acrimonious reception which greated the work:

Part One A and B
Part Two A and B

So much for the idea that classical music is dull and bloodless!