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)
The Rite of SpringIgor Stravinsky
One of Igor Stravinsky’s signature works, it was inspired by a vision he had while composing The Firebird.
Alongside Stravinsky’s three great ballets—Petrushka and The Firebird—it is a famous piece you should definitely know.
At its 1913 premiere at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, renowned composers such as Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, and Camille Saint-Saëns were in attendance.
Even then, the production gathered avant-garde creators and drew attention, but it sparked a furor among listeners, leading to debates over whether it was art or not.
As you’ll hear, it is a highly avant-garde work.
Symphony No. 1Igor Stravinsky
Although it is his first symphonic work, this piece shines with originality.
Its traditional four-movement structure beautifully fuses Russian musical traditions with Stravinsky’s individuality.
Especially noteworthy is the third movement, where the woodwinds spin an evocative, pastoral melody.
The fourth movement exudes a festive atmosphere, incorporating quotations from Russian folk songs that captivate the listener.
While influenced by Romantic music, the work is studded with Stravinsky’s own musical ideas, marking an important point of departure in his career as a composer.
It is a highly recommended piece for anyone interested in the history of classical music.
Apollo Leading the MusesIgor Stravinsky
This work is distinguished by its simple beauty, scored solely for strings.
The tale of Apollo and the three Muses—depicting their encounter and growth—symbolizes the sanctity of art and creativity.
Premiered in Paris in 1928, and paired with George Balanchine’s innovative choreography, it had a profound impact on twentieth-century ballet music.
While following classical forms, the piece breathes new life into rhythm and melody, successfully honoring the traditions of classical ballet while embracing a modern sensibility.
It’s a recommended piece for those interested in ballet music or looking to enjoy neoclassical music.
Symphonic Poem “The Nightingale’s Song”Igor Stravinsky
It is a symphonic poem and ballet music reworked from The Nightingale.
The symphonic poem premiered in 1919, and the ballet premiered in 1920.
The choreography at that time was by Léonide Massine, but it seems it was not very well received.
The first act was composed between 1907 and 1909, and the remaining second and third acts between 1913 and 1914, taking a total of four years.
During the composition, Stravinsky produced The Rite of Spring and The Firebird, works that became his signature pieces, and his style underwent significant changes.
The symphonic poem The Song of the Nightingale was created based on the music from Act II, “The Nightingale’s Song” (Le chant du Rossignol), and onward.
marriageIgor Stravinsky
This work offers a modern interpretation of folk music and explores the meaning of the ritual of marriage.
It is characterized by unique acoustic effects using four pianos and a rich array of percussion, and it had a major impact on 20th-century music.
While depicting a traditional Russian wedding, it also expresses the social pressures and personal conflicts behind it.
Although its 1923 premiere drew mixed reactions, it was later recognized as a masterpiece of 20th-century ballet.
It is recommended for those who want to savor the innovative music and choreography, or who wish to contemplate social institutions through art.
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.
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.
Russian-style ScherzoIgor Stravinsky
Let me introduce a piece that reveals an unexpected side of the Russian master Igor Stravinsky: the work called “Scherzo à la russe.” It was originally begun as film music, but when the film project was canceled, Stravinsky rewrote it for jazz band.
Its premiere took place in 1944.
He also created an orchestral version, which premiered in 1946.
Those who associate him with The Rite of Spring or The Firebird will likely be surprised by this piece’s playful, comical, and cheerful character.
Within Stravinsky’s output, it stands out as a very lighthearted and delightful work.