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)
The Rite of Spring (piano four hands version)Igor Stravinsky
A masterpiece in the piano four-hands repertoire that offers an overwhelming musical experience woven by four hands.
Prior to its premiere in May 1913, Igor Stravinsky himself arranged the work for piano duet.
Harnessing the piano’s unique qualities to express the original’s dynamic rhythms and dissonances, this version possesses a distinct appeal from the orchestral score.
The recording left by the Turkish Pekinel sisters in October 1983 captivated many music lovers with its meticulous ensemble and powerful expression.
It is a work that tests rhythmic sense and technique and demands a high level of musicianship, but the joy of performing it is all the greater.
Highly recommended for advanced players seeking to explore the very essence of piano four-hands.
A three-movement symphonyIgor Stravinsky
Composed in 1945, the piece was premiered in 1946 by the New York Philharmonic.
Incidentally, it was the first work performed after Stravinsky obtained American citizenship.
It consists of three movements.
Stravinsky’s masterpieces: Popular classical music (31–40)
AgonIgor Stravinsky
This is a ballet score composed using the twelve-tone technique between 1953 and 1957.
It was first performed at a concert held in June 1957 to celebrate Stravinsky’s 75th birthday.
The ballet premiered in December of the same year, with choreography by George Balanchine.
Ebony ConcertoIgor Stravinsky
This piece was composed at the request of Woody Herman, who was active as a wind instrumentalist and singer, and it is also known as the Ebony Concerto.
Incidentally, “ebony” refers to the black wood (ebony) that is sometimes used as a material for clarinets.
karuta gameIgor Stravinsky
This is a ballet score commissioned by the manager of the American Ballet, the predecessor of the New York City Ballet.
It is also known as ‘Card Game.’ It depicts a game of poker played with playing cards, and the performance lasts about 22 minutes.
Concerto “Dumbarton Oaks”Igor Stravinsky
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.
Fantastical ScherzoIgor Stravinsky
It is an orchestral piece composed in 1908 by Stravinsky, inspired by Maurice Maeterlinck’s work The Life of the Bee.
Stravinsky’s mentor, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, is said to have praised it highly after seeing the score.