Igor Stravinsky Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

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.

The Soldier’s TaleIgor Stravinsky41rank/position

The Soldier’s Tale 1 Stravinsky / The Soldier’s Tale

Despite its small ensemble of just seven instruments, Stravinsky’s theatrical music achieved profound expression.

Through the soldier’s bargain with the devil, the story questions human desire and the nature of happiness.

Incorporating then-new musical forms such as jazz and tango, it forged a distinctive style.

Premiered on September 28, 1918, in Lausanne, Switzerland, it was highly acclaimed as an innovative work reflecting the turmoil of the postwar era.

As a synthesis of music and theater, it continues to move audiences today.

It’s a highly recommended piece for those interested in classical music or in the fusion of music and storytelling.

Concerto “Dumbarton Oaks”Igor Stravinsky42rank/position

♪ Stravinsky: Concerto in E-flat “Dumbarton Oaks” / Pierre Boulez conducting Ensemble InterContemporain (recorded in 1981)

A concerto grosso commissioned by Robert Woods Bliss, its title, “Dumbarton Oaks,” derives from his address.

It premiered in 1938, but Stravinsky himself could not attend as he was convalescing.