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 (21–30)
PulcinellaIgor Stravinsky
This piece was created when Sergei Diaghilev selected 18 pieces and asked Stravinsky to arrange them.
Although the finished work was completely different from what Diaghilev had intended, he approved it, and it premiered in 1920.
The Rite of SpringIgor Stravinsky
This piece, with its striking opening bassoon solo, was apparently sensational at the time due to its dissonance and exceedingly primitive rhythms, and at its premiere there was such chaos that heckling broke out from the audience during the performance.
There is also a wind band arrangement, and it is a piece frequently performed by wind ensembles.
Fairy’s KissIgor Stravinsky
It is a ballet set in Switzerland, based on music by Tchaikovsky.
The premiere took place in 1928, 35 years after Tchaikovsky’s death, with Stravinsky himself conducting.
The choreography at that time was created by Bronislava Nijinska.
foxIgor Stravinsky
It is a one-act ballet completed in 1917, subtitled “A Burlesque for Singing and Dancing.” Its premiere took place in 1922; Stravinsky himself praised the performance highly, but the audience’s reception appears to have been lukewarm.
Symphony for Wind InstrumentsIgor Stravinsky
This piece was composed to commemorate Debussy, who passed away in 1918.
Its premiere, conducted by Serge Koussevitzky, took place in 1921, but it seems it was not very well received at the time.
The performance lasts about nine minutes.
fireworksIgor Stravinsky
It’s a masterpiece whose orchestral timbres shine vividly.
Though it’s under five minutes long, it captures the full dynamism of light and sound that unfurls in an instant.
Premiered on January 9, 1910, the piece evokes a thrilling sensation, as if fireworks were exploding right before your eyes.
Marked by shifting rhythms and richly colorful orchestration, it leaves a powerful impression on listeners.
It’s an ideal choice for those just getting into classical music or anyone who wants to experience its allure through a short piece.
If you’d like to immerse yourself in a brilliant sonic world, be sure to give it a listen.
Finale from The Firebird ballet suiteIgor Stravinsky
The monumental finale of the landmark ballet by Igor Stravinsky—celebrated as one of the most innovative composers of the 20th century—is a masterpiece that lets you fully savor the allure of an irregular 7/4 meter.
Based on a Russian folktale, this movement crowns the story’s climax: it begins with a quiet horn solo, then gradually brings in the full orchestra, building toward a moving, triumphant conclusion.
Premiered at the Paris Opéra in June 1910, the work was later reorchestrated into a suite and continues to be loved around the world today.
The vibrant energy of the 7/4 meter, expressing the joy of the characters freed by the defeat of the evil sorcerer, brims with festive brilliance befitting a victory celebration, making it an excellent introduction to classical music and a perfect recommendation for anyone eager to experience the excitement of irregular rhythms.