Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Igor Stravinsky.

Stravinsky's Fireworks was written for the approval of his mentor, Rimsky-Korsakov. It also marked the beginning of his relationship with another important collaborator.

The impresario Sergei Diaghilev had founded a magazine and had promoted, in Paris, an exhibition of Russian painting which had been a big success. Then there had been a sensational season of Russian opera which introduced the great Russian bass Fyodor Chaliapin to Paris. Now Diaghilev wanted to introduce Parisian audiences to the glories of Russian ballet. And he looked to Stravinsky to help him.

Fireworks
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Pierre Boulez, conductor

The Firebird Suite
New York Philharmonic
Leonard Bernstein, conductor

Three Movements from Petrushka
Katia Labeque, piano
Marielle Labeque, piano

The Rite of Spring (excerpts)
Kirov Orchestra
Valery Gergiev, conductor

The Rite of Spring (Sacrificial Dance)
Orchestre de la Suisse Romande
Neeme Järvi, conductor

Produced in Cardiff by Martin Williams Show less