A Precociously Russian Symphony
Donald Macleod explores Stravinky's early life and his precocious, Russian-inflected Symphony in E flat, which was dubbed by its young composer as Symphony No 1.
Continuing his exploration of Stravinsky's symphonies, Donald Macleod takes us back to the early 1900s - and the precocious Symphony in E flat, dubbed by the young composer "Symphony no. 1"!
He's undisputedly one of the greatest musical geniuses of the 20th century. But Igor Stravinsky isn't generally thought of a symphonist - compared, say, to his contemporaries Shostakovich, Prokofiev or Sibelius. Yet Stravinsky's five symphonies --which span most of his mature career, from his early life in St Petersburg, to his socialite days in 1920s Paris, to his years as an émigré in the USA - are unique, dazzling musical jewels. This week, Donald Macleod tells the story of Stravinsky's life with complete performances of each of his five symphonies.
Today: an interlude, as Donald Macleod delves further back in time to explore the young Stravinsky's early life and Symphony in E Flat - somewhat presumptuously titled "Symphony no.1" by the twenty-something composer.
Stravinsky: Symphony No 1 in E flat, Op 1 (1st mvt)
Columbia Symphony Orchestra
Igor Stravinsky, conductor
Stravinsky: Symphony No 1 in E flat, Op 1 (2nd mvt)
Columbia Symphony Orchestra
Igor Stravinsky, conductor
Stravinsky: Faun And Shepherdess, Op 2
Lucy Shelton, mezzo
The Cleveland Orchestra
Oliver Knussen, conductor
Stravinsky: Symphony No 1 in E flat, Op 1 (3rd and 4th mvt)
Columbia Symphony Orchestra
Igor Stravinsky, conductor.
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Music Played
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Igor Stravinsky
Symphony in E flat major Op.1 - Allegro moderato
Orchestra: COLUMBIA S O..- SONY : SM2K-46294.
- Sony.
- 1.
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Igor Stravinsky
Faun and shepherdess - song suite Op.2
Singer: Lucy Shelton. Orchestra: The Cleveland Orchestra. Conductor: Oliver Knussen.- DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON : dg449-205-2.
- DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON.
- 1.
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Igor Stravinsky
Symphony in E flat major Op.1 - 2nd movement; Scherzo
Orchestra: COLUMBIA S O..- SONY : SM2K-46294.
- Sony.
- 2.
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Igor Stravinsky
Symphony in E flat major Op.1 - 3rd movement; Largo
Orchestra: COLUMBIA S O..- SONY : SM2K-46294.
- Sony.
- 3.
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Igor Stravinsky
Symphony in E flat major Op.1 - 4th movement; Finale
Orchestra: COLUMBIA S O..- SONY : SM2K-46294.
- Sony.
- 3.
Broadcasts
- Wed 29 Jun 201612:00BBC Radio 3
- Wed 29 Jun 201618:30BBC Radio 3
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