The Rite of Spring that the Diaghilev–Stravinsky collaboration would continue, in the first instance with "Petrushka" (1911) and then "The Rite of Spring". In a note to the conductor Serge Koussevitzky in February 1914, Stravinsky described "The Rite of Spring" as "a musical-choreographic work, [representing] pagan Russia ... unified by a single idea: the mystery and great surge of the creative power of Spring". In his analysis of "The Rite", Pieter van den Toorn writes that the work lacks a specific plot or narrative, and should be considered as a succession of choreographed episodes. The French titles are given in the form given in
Tsarevitch Ivan, the Firebird and the Gray Wolf one who caught the bird would receive half his kingdom and be his heir. They drew lots to see who would be first, but both fell asleep; they tried to claim it had not come, but it had stolen an apple. Finally Ivan Tsarevich, the youngest son, asked to try; his father was reluctant because of his youth but consented. Ivan remained awake the entire time, and upon seeing the bird, tried to catch it by the tail. Unfortunately, Ivan only managed to grasp one feather. The Firebird did not return, but the king longed for the bird. He said