The Duo Concertant and Suite italienne, both collaborations between Stravinsky and Samuel Dushkin, premiered in Berlin on October 28, 1932, just three months before the Nazi regime took power and banned Stravinsky's music.
Composition History
Rimsky-Korsakov considered his Fantasy on Two Russian Themes for violin and orchestra an exercise to familiarize himself with the virtuosic possibilities of the violin, relying on advice from violin instructor Pyotr Krasnokutsky.
Composer Biography
Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Stravinsky's teacher, was a central figure in 'The Mighty Five' group of Russian composers, who emphasized Russian myths, legends, and authentic folk and church music in their work.
Composition History
Stravinsky's Violin Concerto in D was commissioned by American patron J. Blair Fairchild for violinist Samuel Dushkin, with Stravinsky demanding an "astronomical sum" of $7,000 (over $100,000 today) for the work.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Stravinsky's Violin Concerto in D reflects his interest in finding musical direction and expressive means through the methods of the Baroque and Classical periods, rather than romantic or avant-garde styles.
Composer Biography
Igor Stravinsky, a musical innovator, was instrumental in ending the romantic age and ushering in modernity, yet he also highly regarded the classics and folk music of his Russian homeland.
Performer Biography
Thomas Albertus Irnberger, one of Austria's leading violinists, made his debut at age 15 in Brussels as a soloist in Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto.
