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 (11–20)
The Firebird: Ballet Suite (1919 version)Igor Stravinsky
A masterpiece that represents the 20th century.
Inspired by Russian folk tales, this piece is characterized by a fantastical atmosphere and powerful rhythms.
It begins with a mysterious melody in the introduction, followed by the dazzling Dance of the Firebird, the evil king’s ferocious dance, and other vivid musical episodes that bring the story to life.
The 1919 reorchestrated suite version is easier to perform and has become a favorite of many orchestras.
It’s recommended not only for those interested in classical music, but also for listeners who enjoy narrative-driven works.
Its 1910 premiere was a great success and revolutionized the worlds of ballet and music.
Oedipus RexIgor Stravinsky
This is an opera by Igor Stravinsky based on the play Oedipus Rex written by the ancient Greek poet Sophocles.
It was completed in 1927 and premiered the same year in an oratorio format.
A revision was made in 1948.
The performance lasts about 50 minutes.
Although Stravinsky often uses harmony in complex passages, this work, having an original source and being choral and imitative in character, is simpler in both harmony and rhythm than his other works, and was widely interpreted by audiences as being enigmatic in many respects.
Because the libretto is written in Latin, the text used for this extended musical work is in Latin, while the narration is given in the language of the place where it is performed.
A scene from a balletIgor Stravinsky
A masterpiece that combines overwhelming power with elegance.
Composed in 1944, this piece was originally written for a Broadway revue but was later completed as an independent ballet work.
Consisting of 11 movements and running about 16 minutes, the music is crafted with meticulous attention to the dynamics of dance.
It employs innovative rhythmic and harmonic techniques, characterized by syncopation and distinctive counterpoint.
At its 1948 London premiere, with choreography by Frederick Ashton, it received high praise from critics.
Highly recommended for those seeking a fusion of music and physical expression.
PetrushkaIgor Stravinsky
Following The Rite of Spring and The Firebird, this piece is counted among Igor Stravinsky’s three great ballet scores and tells the story of a straw doll brought to life.
It was composed for the Ballets Russes and premiered in 1911.
Its first performance in Japan took place in 1937.
The title character, Petrushka, can be thought of as a Russian counterpart to Pinocchio: though not human, he is a puppet who feels genuine passion and longs to be human.
While it bears Stravinsky’s distinctive style, its story is easier to follow than those of The Rite of Spring and The Firebird, making it the most approachable of the three and a highly recommended ballet score.
Violin ConcertoIgor Stravinsky
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.
The Rake’s ProgressIgor Stravinsky
It is one of the signature works of Igor Stravinsky, known as an innovator in classical music.
The story depicts the downfall and self-destruction of a young man, Tom Rakewell.
While the music is grounded in the forms of 18th-century opera, it incorporates modern interpretations, marked by Stravinsky’s distinctive, surprising harmonic progressions and rhythms.
The work skillfully explores themes such as corruption and freedom, love and desire, leaving a deep impression on listeners.
Since its premiere in Venice in 1951, it has been performed around the world as a masterpiece.
It is a highly recommended piece for those seeking to explore new possibilities in classical music.
Stravinsky’s masterpieces. Popular classical music (21–30)
night-singing bush warblerIgor Stravinsky
One of Stravinsky’s major works, this piece is set in China.
It contrasts a nightingale whose beautiful song captivates the Emperor with a mechanical, imitation bird.
Depicting the power of nature and the hollowness of artificial objects, it highlights music’s healing power.
The opera version premiered in 1914 and was later revised as ballet music in 1920.
Notable for melodies and harmonies that evoke an Oriental atmosphere, it showcases Stravinsky’s innovative musical style.
It’s a recommended piece for those enchanted by the beauty of nature and the power of music.