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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.

1 hour

Music Played

  • Igor Stravinsky

    Symphony in E flat major Op.1 - Allegro moderato

    Orchestra: COLUMBIA S O..
    • SONY : SM2K-46294.
    • Sony.
    • 1.
  • 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.
  • Igor Stravinsky

    Symphony in E flat major Op.1 - 2nd movement; Scherzo

    Orchestra: COLUMBIA S O..
    • SONY : SM2K-46294.
    • Sony.
    • 2.
  • Igor Stravinsky

    Symphony in E flat major Op.1 - 3rd movement; Largo

    Orchestra: COLUMBIA S O..
    • SONY : SM2K-46294.
    • Sony.
    • 3.
  • 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 2016 12:00
  • Wed 29 Jun 2016 18:30

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