Stravinsky: Music for Piano & Orchestra

The works for piano and orchestra by Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971) represent a distinctive part of his output and reflect his evolving musical style during the early twentieth century. Although Stravinsky is widely known for his revolutionary ballets such as The Rite of Spring, his compositions featuring piano and orchestra demonstrate his interest in rhythm, clarity, and neoclassical form.

Composer: Igor Stravinsky
Artist: Giuseppe Andaloro (piano), Orchestra Sinfonica Abruzzese & Filippo Arlia (conductor)

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The most significant of these works is the Concerto for Piano and Wind Instruments (1923–24). Unlike the traditional Romantic concerto that pairs the piano with a full symphony orchestra, Stravinsky scored this piece for piano and a large ensemble of winds, brass, timpani, and double basses. The absence of strings creates a bright, sharp sound that highlights the percussive nature of the piano. Stravinsky himself often performed the solo part, and the concerto reflects his own technical abilities as a pianist. Structurally, the work follows a clear three-movement design—Largo, Allegro, and Largo—blending Baroque inspiration with modern rhythmic vitality.

Another important composition is the Capriccio for Piano and Orchestra (1928–29). Written again for Stravinsky’s own performances, this piece is lighter and more playful than the earlier concerto. It consists of three continuous sections and features brilliant piano passages combined with lively orchestral textures. The title “Capriccio” suggests a free and imaginative character, which is evident in the work’s energetic rhythms and witty musical gestures. The orchestration includes a full orchestra, producing a richer sound than the wind-dominated concerto.

Also presented are a selection of shorter works for piano solo: Tango, Ragtime, Circus Polka, Piano Rag Music, Valse pour les enfants: quasi-popular music, infused with Stravinsky’s unique rhythms, dissonances and wit.

Giuseppe Andaloro (Palermo, 1982) is one of the most acclaimed Italian pianists of his generation. Winner of prestigious international competitions - including the Ferruccio Busoni (Bolzano). He has performed in some of the world’s leading venues: Teatro alla Scala and Sala Verdi in Milan, Teatro San Carlo in Naples, Mozarteum in Salzburg, Konzerthaus Berlin, Salle Gaveau in Paris, Royal Festival Hall in London, Sumida Triphony Hall in Tokyo, Esplanade in Singapore, Concert Hall in Hong Kong. He has appeared at renowned festivals such as the Salzburg Festival, Ruhr Piano Festival, Spoleto Festival dei Due Mondi, George Enescu Festival, Ravello Festival, and Beirut Al Bustan. As soloist, he has collaborated with orchestras such as the London Philharmonic, NHK Symphony (Tokyo), under the direction of conductors like Vladimir Ashkenazy, Gianandrea Noseda, and Andrew Parrott.

Tracklist:
Capriccio, K050:
00:00 I. Presto
07:10 II. Andante Rapsodico
12:52 III. Allegro Capriccioso Ma Tempo Giusto

Concerto for Piano and Wind Instruments, K042:
18:24 I. Largo - Allegro
25:39 II. Largo
31:15 III. Allegro

36:12 Tango (1940), K062
39:40 Ragtime (1919), K030
44:55 Circus Polka. For a Young Elephant (1942), K064
48:35 Valse Pour Les Enfants (1917), Kn16
49:49 Piano-Rag-Music (1919), K032

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