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 (41–50)
Serenade in A majorIgor Stravinsky
Igor Stravinsky, an innovative composer who defined the 20th century.
His piano work Serenade in A, composed in 1925, is a piece with a distinctive sonority.
Designed for gramophone recording so that each movement would fit on one side of a record, it consists of four movements influenced by modern classical and neoclassical styles.
Its unique musical language—interweaving complex rhythms, fragmentary melodies, and nontraditional harmonies—can be experienced in the composer’s own performances as a pianist.
Experience this work in recordings and feel for yourself how his music revolutionized 20th-century musical thought.
TangoIgor Stravinsky
Tango (1940) by Igor Stravinsky, one of the defining composers of the 20th century, was originally written for piano but later became beloved in various instrumental arrangements.
Composed after the Russian-born composer emigrated to the United States, this piece is a masterpiece that blends romantic warmth with a modern allure.
Built on a tango rhythm, it deftly expresses feelings of solitude, longing, and unease, and its skillful use of repetition resonates deeply with listeners.
It’s a work I recommend not only to piano enthusiasts but to a broad range of music lovers.
Finale from the ballet suite The FirebirdIgor Stravinsky
The Firebird by Igor Stravinsky is a one-act, two-scene ballet based on Russian folk tales.
Its premiere took place in 1910 at the Paris Opéra.
It is said that Osamu Tezuka, after seeing the ballet The Firebird, was inspired to later create his famous work Phoenix.
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.
Ballet music ‘The Firebird’Igor Stravinsky
Igor Stravinsky, an innovative composer who epitomized the 20th century.
His ballet score The Firebird is a work whose allure lies in its fantastical tale based on Russian folktales and its original orchestration.
The plot—Prince Ivan, with the help of the Firebird, defeats an evil sorcerer—grips the listener from start to finish.
The impact of its premiere was immeasurable, and it has remained an immortal masterpiece, continually performed by ballet companies around the world.
Blending groundbreaking musical language with compelling storytelling, this piece is one that deserves to be heard not only by classical music enthusiasts but by all listeners.
March from the ballet music “Fox”Igor Stravinsky
The masterpiece Ballet Music “The Fox” by Igor Stravinsky, one of the leading composers of the 20th century known for his innovative musical style.
Composed in 1916 and based on a Russian folktale, it is a work distinguished by its original musical expression.
Among its numbers, the “March” is a standout classic that captivates listeners and won’t let go.
In this work, a dramatic story where humor and tension intersect is effectively conveyed through the music.
The animals are depicted vividly, with each character clearly defined—a key highlight.
It is a masterpiece that allows you to experience Stravinsky’s musical diversity and innovation, and one that every classical music fan should hear at least once.
Capriccio for Piano and OrchestraIgor Stravinsky
Igor Stravinsky, a composer who represents the 20th century Russia.
His Capriccio for Piano and Orchestra, composed in 1929, is an ambitious work written with the aim of the composer himself performing as the pianist.
While adopting the classical concerto form, the piece captivates with its brilliant piano part that incorporates modern elements.
Consisting of three movements—an intense first movement, an ornamental second movement, and a light, approachable third movement—it displays a wide range of expression.
Though it demands advanced technique, it is a masterpiece that delights listeners.
Concerto for Piano and OrchestraIgor Stravinsky
Igor Stravinsky, an innovative composer who epitomized the 20th century.
His Concerto for Piano and Wind Instruments is a landmark of the neoclassical style, composed in Paris between 1923 and 1924.
Written with the intention that Stravinsky himself would perform the piano part, the work showcases his new musical approach.
While referencing 18th-century musical forms, it reconstructs them through his own distinctive interpretation, symbolizing his pursuit of clarity and absolute musicality.
With its complex rhythms and brilliant cadenzas, this work is recommended for those who want to enjoy the unique sonic interplay between piano and wind instruments.
Piano SonataIgor Stravinsky
Igor Stravinsky, an innovative composer who epitomizes the 20th century.
Born in Russia and active across the globe—including Switzerland, France, and the United States—his works continue to captivate audiences today.
Composed in 1924, his Piano Sonata consists of three movements that incorporate Baroque-style techniques while reflecting early 20th-century modernism.
It distills Stravinsky’s uniquely original musical language.
Showcasing his diverse talents and universal musicality, this piece is one that ambitious pianists are highly encouraged to perform.
Piano Sonata in F-sharp minorIgor Stravinsky
Igor Stravinsky, one of the most innovative composers of the 20th century, created energetic and audacious music that continues to be loved by many today.
The Piano Sonata in F-sharp minor is an early attempt from his youth, in which one can sense traces of Neoclassicism within a Romantic style.
Its four movements—marked by heightened emotion and tension-filled harmonies—are each imbued with a richly gifted sensibility.
It is a masterpiece recommended not only for classical music aficionados but also for piano enthusiasts.