Symphony in Three Movements
Igor Stravinsky
Work background
Researched classical background
Stravinsky assembled this wartime symphony from materials with different origins, including music connected with an unrealized film project. Piano is prominent in the outer movements, while harp has a distinctive role in the quieter middle movement. The finale uses contrapuntal combination and sharply articulated rhythms. Stravinsky later associated aspects of the music with images of war.
Inspiration and creative background
Stravinsky retrospectively linked musical passages to wartime films and news images; this is not a literal scene-by-scene programme.
Boston Symphony Orchestra: Stravinsky Symphony in Three Movements
1942-45 chronology, instrumental roles and wartime associations | Reviewed 2026-10-19
A listening guide
Compare the piano-led outer movements with the harp-centred middle movement.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra with prominent piano and harp
Composition: 1942-1945
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Boston Symphony Orchestra: Stravinsky Symphony in Three Movements
1942-45 chronology, instrumental roles and wartime associations | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Boston Symphony Orchestra: Stravinsky Symphony in Three Movements
1942-45 chronology, instrumental roles and wartime associations | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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