Stravinsky’s Symphonic War in Three Movements

            If tasked to create a theme fitting for 20^th century warfare, a composer could include bombastic timpani booms that mimic properly placed explosions. Such a composer could also employ complementary yet almost conflicting wind and string ensembles that create a chaotic and exceptionally urgent tone.  Russian composer Igor Stravinsky achieved this venture in his “Symphony in Three Movements”, written between 1942-1945.

            Haven’t heard of Stravinsky? Maybe the “Rite of Spring” comes to mind. Stravinsky reminisces of a 20^th century Stella Sung, who is known for her piece “Atlas’s Revenge.”  His sheer power is equal to that of Richard Wagner’s “Flying Dutchman.” Stravinsky is known for pushing the musical boundaries of musical design by having primitive rhythmic drives and innovative motifs that appear throughout a piece. “Symphony in Three Movements” is no exception.

Some emphasis should be noted about the title of the piece: symphonies are usually structured to be played by an orchestra and have four movements, not three. Potentially this could indicate what critiques should expect during a listen through: Stravinsky didn’t care to appease anyone.

            Written in response to the Second World War, this piece seemed to personify the struggles faced by an invaded country.  To one’s ears, the first movement narrates the dynamic between an invading army and its victim.  Immediately into the piece, the violins, the brass section, and the timpani force their way into your eardrums. Once deployed, the interplays between the woodwinds and the violins as well as the trumpets and violins imitate a sense of on and off seek and destroy. The movement then transitions into the aftermath after fighting has concluded where a softer tone, led by the slow bowing of the violins and the interludes of the clarinets and oboes, exists. Still though, there is a sense of urgency and confusion. Towards the end of the movement, the battle seems to be over, yet the war continues on. This enemy army filled with timpani blasts and brass battalions moves on to the next victim.

            Searching for a piece that embodies raw power? Look no further Blazers and Blazerettes. The repeating motifs presented are quite enjoyable, though not overwhelming, and the subtle plucking of the cellos and double bass carries a rhythmic flavor through the movement. Stravinsky’s first movement of the “Symphony in Three Movements” is yours to enjoy.