Stravinsky’s masterpiece. Popular classical music.
Among his signature works are the ballet scores The Rite of Spring and The Firebird, and when it comes to a Russian composer who epitomizes the 20th century in the classical world, that would be Igor Stravinsky.
Stravinsky’s style is often marked by technical complexity and challenging harmonies and rhythms; many of his pieces are not easily embraced by general audiences.
Yet his avant-garde approach has continued to shock with each listening and made him one of the musicians who exerted a wide-ranging influence on the arts from the 20th century onward.
Here, I’ll list and introduce Stravinsky’s works—from the most representative to those that might make you think, “Wait, this is by Stravinsky too?”
Whether you find them accessible or not is up to you—do give them a listen!
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Stravinsky’s masterpieces. Popular classical music (1–10)
Symphony in CIgor Stravinsky
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.
Circus PolkaIgor Stravinsky
Would you like to listen to an original wind band piece by a classical master? That would be Igor Stravinsky’s Circus Polka.
The full title is actually Circus Polka: For a Young Elephant, but it’s often shortened to simply Circus Polka.
It was written for a ballet for elephants, and it’s said that elephants wearing tutus actually danced to it.
Although it isn’t performed very often today, recordings remain—for example, by the professional wind ensemble Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra, as in the video introduced here, as well as an orchestral version conducted by Herbert von Karajan.
Wind ensemble performance is a relatively young format that has developed over the past hundred years, yet we still have wind band works by masters like Stravinsky.
The Firebird: Ballet Suite (1945 version)Igor Stravinsky
It’s a masterpiece that stands as a towering pillar of classical music.
Beginning with a fantastical introduction, it unfolds through the mysterious Dance of the Firebird, the graceful Round of the Princesses, the scene of the evil sorcerer Kashchei, and culminates in a majestic finale.
Based on Russian folklore, the music is richly narrative, showcasing Stravinsky’s outstanding orchestration.
Its orchestral color and shifting rhythms vividly portray a world of magic and adventure.
The 1945 version, restructured for concert performance, is more concise and powerful in character.
It’s a perfect choice for those who want to immerse themselves in a fantastical story world or savor the sumptuous sound of a full orchestra.
Stravinsky’s Masterpieces: Popular Classical Music (11–20)
Piano Rag MusicIgor Stravinsky
This is a solo piano piece interweaving innovative harmonies and rhythms.
While incorporating characteristics of ragtime, the work is reimagined through Stravinsky’s unique lens and received its premiere in Switzerland in November 1919.
Though only about three minutes long, its intricate rhythms and harmonic progressions create a captivating and distinctive sound world.
It is recommended not only for classical music enthusiasts interested in jazz and ragtime, but also for anyone seeking fresh, innovative musical expression.
The Firebird – Complete Version for Solo PianoIgor Stravinsky
This is a standout piece that captures grand ballet music on a single piano.
A story inspired by Russian folk tales is vividly portrayed using only the piano’s timbre.
Dramatic scenes—such as the Firebird’s fantastical movements and the showdown with the evil sorcerer Kashchei—are brought to life in music.
Stravinsky’s distinctive rhythms and harmonies sound fresh through expressions unique to the piano.
It’s recommended not only for classical music fans but also for anyone interested in the possibilities of the piano.
In 2012, a complete recording by Lidia Jardon was released on CD and received high praise.
The Firebird (1910) – Original Ballet VersionIgor Stravinsky
A ballet score themed on Russian folk tales, notable for its fantastical and dramatic elements.
While incorporating folk-inspired melodies and rhythms, it is acclaimed for its innovative orchestration.
Depicting a struggle between good and evil, the piece unfolds a richly narrative, otherworldly soundscape.
It premiered in Paris on June 25, 1910, to great success.
The harmony between music and choreography was highly praised, and the work made Stravinsky internationally famous.
It is a recommended piece for those interested in classical music or who enjoy music with a strong narrative.
CapriccioIgor Stravinsky
A work brimming with elegant, virtuosic charm.
The piano and orchestra intertwine exquisitely, where sprightly rhythms meet dazzling melodies.
Each of the three movements has its own character—an energetic Presto, a dreamlike Andante rapsodico, and a playful Allegro capriccioso—so it never loses the listener’s interest.
At the premiere in May 1930, the composer himself played the piano, and a recording was also made in Paris.
It’s a highly recommended piece not only for classical music fans but also for anyone interested in piano concertos.