Igor Stravinsky Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

3rd movement from PetrushkaIgor Stravinsky31rank/position

Stravinsky: Three Movements from Petrouchka

Igor Stravinsky, the great Russian composer who left numerous masterpieces characterized by primitivism, neoclassicism, and serialism.

Petrushka: Three Movements is one of Stravinsky’s representative works for piano.

It is said to have been composed at the request of the great pianist Arthur Rubinstein, who asked for “the most difficult piece ever,” and it demands highly advanced technique.

In every respect—finger agility, stamina, keyboard leaps, and expression—it can be considered a challenging work.

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Russian Dance from Petrushka, Suite No. 3, 1st Movement, Scene 1Igor Stravinsky32rank/position

Stravinsky Petrushka – Stravinsky Three Movements from Petrushka

Igor Stravinsky, one of the defining composers of the 20th century, is renowned for innovative works such as The Firebird and The Rite of Spring, but the pieces he wrote for piano are also highly original.

Three Movements from Petrushka is an arrangement of his ballet music, and in the first movement the dancing of the puppets is vividly portrayed.

Filled with complex rhythms and virtuosic passages, this work represents Stravinsky at his finest in exploring the piano’s possibilities.

It is recommended not only for pianists with advanced technical command but for all classical music fans who enjoy avant-garde music.

From Petrushka, 3 Movements: Movement II, Scene 2 “Petrushka’s Room”Igor Stravinsky33rank/position

Stravinsky:Trois Mouvements de Pétrouchka 2nd movement Chez Pétrouchka

Three Movements from Petrushka, based on the ballet music Petrushka by Igor Stravinsky, one of the genius Russian composers who defined the 20th century.

The work was arranged for piano by the composer himself in 1921 and premiered the same year by pianist Arthur Rubinstein.

The second movement, Petrushka’s Room, vividly depicts the protagonist Petrushka’s complex emotions and inner turmoil, featuring the striking dissonance known as the “Petrushka chord.” It is an ambitious work that showcases Stravinsky’s innovative rhythms and harmonies, as well as exceptional pianistic technique.

From Petrushka, 3 Movements: Movement III, Scene 3 ‘The Shrovetide Fair’Igor Stravinsky34rank/position

Stravinsky: Three Movements from Petrushka: III. “Shrovetide Fair” [Naxos Classical Curations #Fantasy]

Igor Stravinsky, one of the most innovative composers of the 20th century, is known for his energetic and daring works, including the ballet scores The Firebird and The Rite of Spring.

Three Movements from Petrushka is an arrangement for solo piano of his ballet Petrushka.

In the third movement, “La Semaine Grasse” (Shrovetide Fair), the bustling excitement of the festival is vividly portrayed, making it a bold attempt to express an orchestral work on a single piano.

Its score—demanding left-hand trills, wide leaps, and highly intricate techniques—bristles with transcendental difficulty and is truly overwhelming to hear.

It is a masterpiece that advanced pianists with formidable technique are especially encouraged to take on.

Apollo Leading the MusesIgor Stravinsky35rank/position

Stravinsky – Apollo (Apollon musagète)

This work is distinguished by its simple beauty, scored solely for strings.

The tale of Apollo and the three Muses—depicting their encounter and growth—symbolizes the sanctity of art and creativity.

Premiered in Paris in 1928, and paired with George Balanchine’s innovative choreography, it had a profound impact on twentieth-century ballet music.

While following classical forms, the piece breathes new life into rhythm and melody, successfully honoring the traditions of classical ballet while embracing a modern sensibility.

It’s a recommended piece for those interested in ballet music or looking to enjoy neoclassical music.

Russian-style ScherzoIgor Stravinsky36rank/position

Igor Stravinsky – Scherzo à la Russe for Two Pianos (1944) [Score-Video]

Igor Stravinsky, a leading Russian composer of the 20th century, revolutionized musical conventions with his innovative rhythms and orchestration in masterpieces such as The Firebird and The Rite of Spring.

Russian Scherzo is a unique miniature written in the 1940s, around the time he moved to the United States.

Its playful character, infused with elements of folk music, conveys a deep affection for Russia.

Although composed when his neoclassical period was drawing to a close, its ever-changing rhythms and orchestration show no sign of waning.

It’s a finely crafted work that distills his appeal—highly recommended even for listeners new to classical music.

Violin ConcertoIgor Stravinsky37rank/position

Stravinsky / Violin Concerto / Kyung-Wha Chung (vn) / Maazel / Berlin Philharmonic

One of Stravinsky’s major works, this four-movement piece premiered in 1931.

Written for the renowned violinist Samuel Dushkin, it bears the influence of neoclassicism while vividly showcasing Stravinsky’s distinctive modern musical language.

The violin and orchestra engage in an unceasing dialogue, with a structure that values a chamber-like texture.

Rather than dazzling virtuosity, the focus is on musical conversation; and although the title hints at Bach’s influence, the work ultimately shines with Stravinsky’s own voice.

Highly recommended for those interested in new possibilities in classical music.

Symphony in CIgor Stravinsky38rank/position

Igor Stravinsky – Symphony in C major

Let me introduce a symphony by the renowned Russian composer Igor Stravinsky.

He wrote this piece during a difficult period when he lost family members in World War II and fled Paris to take refuge in the United States.

The symphony has four movements and a performance time of about 30 minutes.

It was premiered in 1940.

Although Stravinsky composed many ballets and operas, he left relatively few symphonies of the kind exemplified by Beethoven or Haydn.

This is one of the rare symphonies by Stravinsky.

If you belong to an orchestra and are wondering what to program for your next concert, consider this work.

Symphony No. 1Igor Stravinsky39rank/position

Igor Stravinski (1882-1971) : Symphony No. 1 (1907) 1/4

Although it is his first symphonic work, this piece shines with originality.

Its traditional four-movement structure beautifully fuses Russian musical traditions with Stravinsky’s individuality.

Especially noteworthy is the third movement, where the woodwinds spin an evocative, pastoral melody.

The fourth movement exudes a festive atmosphere, incorporating quotations from Russian folk songs that captivate the listener.

While influenced by Romantic music, the work is studded with Stravinsky’s own musical ideas, marking an important point of departure in his career as a composer.

It is a highly recommended piece for anyone interested in the history of classical music.

Symphonic Poem “The Nightingale’s Song”Igor Stravinsky40rank/position

Igor Stravinsky – The Song of a Nightingale (Le Chant du Rossignol) [w/score]

It is a symphonic poem and ballet music reworked from The Nightingale.

The symphonic poem premiered in 1919, and the ballet premiered in 1920.

The choreography at that time was by Léonide Massine, but it seems it was not very well received.

The first act was composed between 1907 and 1909, and the remaining second and third acts between 1913 and 1914, taking a total of four years.

During the composition, Stravinsky produced The Rite of Spring and The Firebird, works that became his signature pieces, and his style underwent significant changes.

The symphonic poem The Song of the Nightingale was created based on the music from Act II, “The Nightingale’s Song” (Le chant du Rossignol), and onward.