Igor Stravinsky

Donald Macleod surveys the life and music of Russian-born
composer Igor Stravinsky.


In this week’s episode, Donald explores the composer who is said,
in his music, to have ushered in the 20th century: Igor
Stravinsky. His name is probably still most associated with the
utterly extraordinary, revolutionary evening that prompted that
accolade – the premiere of The Rite of Spring in Paris on the
29th of May 1913. We’ll hear about his pivotal relationships with
fellow musician Rimsky-Korsakov, his assistant Robert Craft and
the impresario Sergei Diaghilev. Plus, Donald delves into some of
the most formative periods in Stravinsky’s life: his creative
move towards neo-classicism, the death of his wife, his lonely
exile to the USA, and his experiments with serialist methods.


Music featured: Rite of Spring Scherzo in G minor Pastorale Four
Etudes, Op 7, Nos 3 and 4 Symphony in E flat major (1st and 2nd
movements) Faun and Shepherdess Scherzo Fantastique Fireworks The
Firebird Suite Three Movements from Petrushka Pulcinella
(Overture) Mavra: Russian Song (arr for cello & piano) Octet
(2nd movement) Symphony of Psalms Concerto in E flat major
'Dumbarton Oaks' Tango Ebony Concerto (1st and 2nd movements)
Scherzo a la Russe Symphony in Three Movements Rake's Progress:
Act I Scene 3 (excerpt) Mass (Kyrie, Gloria) In Memoriam Dylan
Thomas Movements for Piano and Orchestra Agon: Act IV The dove
descending breaks the air Canticum Sacrum


Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Martin Williams for BBC
Wales


For full tracklistings, including artist and recording details,
and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after
broadcast) head to the series page for Igor Stravinsky
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0004y0p


And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we’ve
featured on Composer of the Week here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z