May 15, 2013

Woodstock Chimes Commemorates Centennial Anniversary of Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring”

Taking a risk by stepping outside the boundaries, Igor Stravinsky broke away from the typical style of post-romantic music and created a ritualistic work brimming with new rhythmic and melodic elements, known as “The Rite of Spring.” A century ago, in May 1913, the seminal piece had a controversial premiere in Paris, during which a riot broke out, and has since been a steadfast influence on a vast array of composers. Woodstock Chimes, a leading manufacturer of musically-tuned windchimes, has been honoring the renowned composer’s “The Rite of Spring” since 2010, when the company launched a windchime named after and tuned to the musical masterpiece.

The opening melody of “The Rite of Spring” is played by the bassoon, which was considered a radical compositional feature during its origination period. This haunting melody comprises the notes of the Woodstock Rite of Spring Chime™.

“This incredible piece has been part of my musical life for more than 40 years,” commented Garry Kvistad, GRAMMY® Award-Winner and founder and owner of Woodstock Chimes. “I had the honor of playing timpani in a ‘The Rite of Spring’ performance with the Oberlin Conservatory Orchestra in 1971, conducted by Pierre Boulez, then artistic director of the Cleveland Orchestra. My group, NEXUS, also recently performed a chamber version of it with the amazing piano duo, 2X10, in Toronto. This exciting but difficult work is now considered standard repertoire for orchestras today.”

Kvistad, too, has been stepping outside the boundaries since 1979, by focusing on injecting quality sound and famed melodies into the company’s numerous windchime offerings. Works by other composers, including Mozart, Beethoven and Bach, are found in the company’s line. Kvistad sees windchimes as a serine and unique way to deliver famous melodies to the ear, one that is powered by the wind. “For many of our consumers, putting Woodstock Chimes out as the warm weather arrives is part of their ‘Rite of Spring,’ no matter which tuning they have”, said Kvistad.

Woodstock’s Rite of Spring Chime produces its namesake’s harmonies through six impeccably pitched, silver aluminum tubes. The chime measures 23″ in overall length, features elegant cherry wood accents and retails for $48.

For details about the Woodstock Rite of Spring Chime, the complete Woodstock Chimes and Woodstock Music Collection® product lines, or for a current trade show listing, please visit www.WoodstockChimes.com.

Company Name: Woodstock Percussion, Inc., 167 Dubois Road; Shokan, NY 12481 USA
800.422.4463, www.WoodstockChimes.com

Media Contact: Jillian Lambert; Bultema Lambert Communications
616.656.7500; jillian@bultemalambert.com

Digital Images Available Upon Request

About Woodstock Percussion, Inc.: Woodstock Percussion, Inc., makers of Woodstock Chimes and the Woodstock Music Collection, is a leading manufacturer of musically-tuned windchimes, award-winning musical instruments and soothing home and garden décor. GRAMMY® recipient Garry Kvistad and his wife, Diane, created their first product over 30 years ago in New York’s Hudson Valley, where the company continues to design gifts and accessories using superior materials found around the world. The result is a unique collection of over 400 different products that bring joyful sounds to people of all ages. Popular collections include: Inspirational Chimes, Precious Stones, Woodstock Gongs, Temple Bells, Woodstock Rainbow Makers™, Asli Arts®, and, of course, its Classic Chimes. For more information on Woodstock Chimes, visit www.WoodstockChimes.com or call (800) 422-4463.