Russian composer Igor Stravinsky is regarded as one of modern classical music's biggest influences. His innovative use of rhythm and harmony, and ability to infuse his works with a unique voice while exploring a wide range of styles, continue to inspire composers today. We'll touch on some of his compositional periods, and hear some of his most famous pieces, in this week's Morning Glories.
For more on Stravinsky's life, and to hear more of his music, check out this month's Composer Corner and the Stravinsky Audio Backpack playlist.
Monday
Symphony in E-flat
Stravinsky's first published work, the Symphony in E-flat is dedicated to his teacher, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, and is firmly rooted in the late Romantic Russian tradition.
Tuesday
Suite Italienne
Derived from Stravinsky's ballet Pulcinella, the Suite Italienne is one of the first pieces from his neoclassical period, trendy with many composers around the middle of the 20th century.
Wednesday
The Fairy's Kiss: Divertimento
Ballets are some of Stravinsky's most well-known works. Many were inspired by Russian music; Tchaikovsky's music was the starting point of this depiction of a story by Hans Christian Andersen.
Thursday
Concerto for Piano and Wind Instruments
Stravinsky wrote this piece (and several others) for his own personal performance, bringing in a few extra bucks on the side as a concert pianist and conductor.
Friday
The Rite of Spring
A piece that once sounded so unorthodox that audiences rioted, we've come to adore The Rite of Spring, possibly proving that familiarity encourages approval (even better if the familiarity is due to animated dinosaurs).
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