Stravinsky's Oedipus Rex: historical significance and cultural impact

Opera Review

In Oedipus Rex, Igor Stravinsky is telling a classic tale from Greek mythology. This is achieved by discussing the various challenges. Oedipus is facing, in his quest for discovering a murder. During this process, he is able to learn the truth about many things and how they have impacted his life. To fully understand what is occurring requires looking at the opera in more detail. This will be accomplished by focusing on its historical / cultural significance, the importance of the piece in the composer's life, how it has been grandstanded and the production itself. Together, these elements will highlight the setting of opera and Stravinsky's underlying message.

The Historical and Cultural Background of the Opera

Historically, the opera takes place in the ancient Greece city state of Thebes. Oedipus is someone who has conquered the Sphinx. The plot is following a similar theme from the Greek tragedy with him trying to figure out who is the murder of the former King. During this process, is when the plot mirrors many of the ideas presented in the original play. ("Stravinsky Oedipus Rex," 2012) (Osborne, 2004) ("The Libretto," n.d.)

These elements are showing how the opera is following the historical events which occurred in ancient Greece. The way that this is represented is to parallel the characters, themes, and plots. At the same time, there is the reference to the ancient Egyptian empire with Oedipus being known as the person who killed the Sphinx. This was the guardian of the tombs and the pyramids of the Pharos. The direct reference to these events is a sign of the historical significance with what actually occurred in Greek mythology. ("Stravinsky Oedipus Rex," 2012) (Osborne, 2004) ("The Libretto," n.d.)

Moreover, the play is mirroring history by following a similar format in all Greek tragedies. This is occurring through the use of the chorus during the opera. In many traditional plays, this was utilized as a way for everyone to sing, dance and draw emotionalism upon the problem itself. What makes this so unique is Stravinsky is taking these ideas and using them in a similar format which was historically embraced in ancient Greece. This helps to draw attention to the emotions and feelings of the main characters. (Walsh, 1993) ("The Libretto," n.d.)

These insights are showing how he is following the same basic model that is utilized in many Greek tragedies. The only difference is these ideas were taken one step further though incorporating classic techniques with more modern elements. It is at this point when everyone can effectively understand what is occurring and relate to the characters. In many ways, one could argue that this is one of the ways in which historical elements were embraced to provide the same kind of effect. (Walsh, 1993) ("The Libretto," n.d.)

Culturally, the opera is something that is a life lesson for everyone to follow. This is occurring with the main character trying to figure out who is the murderer and seeking out the facts. However, in the process, is when he learns the truth about his life and where he comes from. This leads to Oedipus cutting out his eyes in the end in order to never be corrupted by what he sees. Instead, he wants to observe things for how they really are. This means that he cannot let the world influence him or the way he reacts to different events. ("Stravinsky Oedipus Rex," 2012) (Osborne, 2004) ("The Libretto," n.d.)

These insights are following cultural lessons from the ancient Greeks. This is taking place through demonstrating how a person can be deceived based upon the people around them and those who they trust the most. On the contrary, someone should question the actions of different people and see the truth for themselves. This is something that is directly linked to the ideas of Plato. He felt that a person should see things for what they really are not let their eyes or anything around them impact these insights. Instead, they must use their ability to reason, question and come to logical explanations to fully understand what is happening. (Osborne, 2004)

The Way it has been Grandstanded

The play has been grandstanded through Stravinsky adding different elements to impress the audience and help them to be more entertained in the process. For instance, the traditional Greek play had very little theatrics and it was often considered to be very dry. What Stravinsky did, was to take these ideas and incorporate them as a part of his overall plan to utilize more modern themes. This helps the audience to connect more closely with the emotionalism of the main characters. ("Stravinsky Oedipus Rex," 2012) (Osborne, 2004)

This is taking place through the use of the orchestra, the narrator, soloists and the male chorus. These elements help to create an environment which catches their attention and keeps them drawn to the play. This is a certain amount of grandstanding, by illustrating how these issues are shaping the way the characters see the world around them and their close relationship to the audience. When this happens, everyone can connect with the plot and the emotions of the different individuals. ("Stravinsky Oedipus Rex," 2012) (Osborne, 2004)

The Production

The production is very moving. This is because it can be performed in numerous formats to offer the audience with the maximum effect. For instance, when it first opened in 1927, a concert hall was selected. This is because it provided everyone with an oratorio type of feel. However, over the course of time, other formats have been utilized. The most notable include: as a staged opera and musical production. (Walsh, 1993)

The staged opera is the most effective. This is from the play being written in Latin and utilizing many of the same elements which are common with this genre. These factors help to connect the audience with the characters and the emotionalism. This is achieved through the traditional songs and dance (which is augmented with various modern day elements). (Walsh, 1993) (Osborne, 2004) ("Stravinsky Oedipus Rex," 2012)

In the case of a musical production, it is providing specific insights that are helping to connect the audience with the main themes and using the chorus to show emotionalism. This allows them to follow these events and connect with the different characters. At the same time, this kind of production is using a chorus and other elements to help the audience associate it with modern works. (Walsh, 1993) (Osborne, 2004) ("Stravinsky Oedipus Rex," 2012)

These different formats are showing how the production can be adapted to different theaters and stages. This helps to make Oedipus Rex more understood and to connect everyone with the primary themes. Furthermore, these elements are used to add a sense of excitement and allow the audience to understand what is happening. (Walsh, 1993) (Osborne, 2004) ("Stravinsky Oedipus Rex," 2012)

Clearly, Stravinsky is using Oedipus Rex to create a unique work through the traditional elements of classic Greek tragedies with current plays. This helps the audience to understand more effectively about what is occurring and to relate to the main characters / themes. These fundamentals were utilized to create changes by incorporating traditional themes with modern ideas. As a result, Stravinsky is trying to show how these changes are occurring and their long-term impact on the audience throughout the opera. It is at this point when they understand the settings and different messages.