Symphony in C
Igor Stravinsky
Work background
Researched classical background
Stravinsky began this symphony in France and completed it after moving to the United States. Its four movements adopt familiar symphonic outlines while reshaping their rhythms, phrase lengths and instrumental balances. The work belongs to his neoclassical period. Although its composition coincided with profound personal losses and displacement, those circumstances do not supply a documented narrative for the music.
A listening guide
Listen for displaced accents and changing phrase lengths within the apparently familiar classical forms.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1938-1940
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.
Date, title and version notes
Biographical circumstances should not be treated as a literal musical programme.
Berliner Philharmoniker: Stravinsky Symphony in C
1938-40 composition, France and United States context and neoclassical structure | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Berliner Philharmoniker: Stravinsky Symphony in C
1938-40 composition, France and United States context and neoclassical structure | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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