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Celebrating Stravinsky

Russian composer Igor Stravinsky died 50 years ago. Is his influence still felt? We speak to musicians and performers about what Stravinsky means to them, and to music.

Russian composer Igor Stravinsky died 50 years ago this year. Yet his influence is still felt today, whether it's the pounding rhythms of The Rite of Spring or the musical borrowings of The Rake's Progress. Radio 3's Kate Molleson explains how Stravinsky changed the musical landscape, and just why we should be celebrating a composer born nearly 140 years ago.

Aurora Orchestra are preparing for their appearance at this year's Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Proms. And the preparations involve memorising The Firebird, to play on stage without sheet music. Conductor Nicholas Collon and bassoonist Amy Harman discuss what memorising adds to the performance, and whether learning Stravinsky has any extra challenges.

Dancer Francesca Velicu earned an Olivier Award for dancing the role of the Chosen One in Pina Bausch's version of The Rite of Spring at English National Ballet. How does it feel to dance to the death?

Conductor Sir Simon Rattle has had a lifelong love affair with Igor Stravinsky. He tells John Wilson how he got hooked at an early age, and recommends a playlist for Stravinsky beginners.

Presenter: John Wilson
Producer: Sofie Vilcins

Main image: Igor Stravinsky at the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ in 1965.

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28 minutes

Last on

Wed 11 Aug 2021 19:15
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

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Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ 2021 Proms which feature works by Stravinsky

Stravinsky's Pulcinella performed by the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Scottish Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Martyn Brabbins on 06 August 2021 is available on the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Sounds.
Stravinsky From Memory: the Aurora Orchestra, cond: Nicholas Collon perform the Firebird Suite without scores. At 20.00 on 11 August 2021 on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ R3 and Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Sounds.Β Β 
Vladimir Jurowskia conducts the London Philharmonic Orchestra as they perform Stravinsky's Jeu de cartes at 19.30 on 12 August 2021 on Live on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ R3 and on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Sounds.
Experimental composer and turntablist Shiva Feshareki joins conductor Sofi Jeannin and the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Singers to performΒ Stravinsky's Tres sacrae cantones - Illumina nos at 19.30Β  on 19 AugustΒ 2021 live on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ R3 and on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Sounds.
Sir Simon RattleΒ  conducts the London Symphony Orchestra: Stravinsky's Symphonies of Wind Instruments, Symphony in C and Symphony in Three MovementsΒ  Live on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ R3 at 1930 on 22 August 2021, and on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Sounds and the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ iPlayer.Β  Β  Β Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β Β Main image: Igor Stravinsky at Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ in 1965



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  • Wed 11 Aug 2021 19:15
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

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