The Symphony in E-flat, Op. 1, is the first published work composed by Igor Stravinsky during his apprenticeship with Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. It is also his first composition for orchestra. Of classical structure, it is broadly influenced by Rimsky-Korsakov, Glazunov, Tchaikovsky and Wagner.[1] It was composed in 1905–1907 and revised in 1913. It lasts for about forty minutes.
History
The score bears the dedication "To my dear teacher N. A. Rimsky-Korsakov". A private performance was given on 27 April 1907 by the St. Petersburg Court Orchestra conducted by H. Wahrlich, in a concert that also included the first performance of Faun and Shepherdess.[2] Stravinsky later recalled that both Rimsky-Korsakov and Glazunov considered the orchestration "too heavy".[1] The first public performance was conducted by Felix Blumenfeld on 22 January 1908. A revised version was conducted by Ernest Ansermet on 2 April 1914, and the composer conducted this version in his later performances.[2]
This movement was sometimes played alone at performances of the Ballets Russes. Stravinsky incorporated into it a Russian folk song similar to one he used in Petrushka.[2]
Largo
The longest movement of the symphony, lasting almost fifteen minutes.
Finale
The finale is a rondo.[1] As in the second movement, Stravinsky includes a popular song ("Tchitcher-Yatcher"). He used it again in his Trois petites chansons of 1913.[2]
Discography
Stravinsky's recording of this symphony in his collected works on Sony Classical was recorded by the Columbia Symphony Orchestra in May 1966.[3]
^Works of Igor Stravinsky. 22-CD set. Sony Classical 88697103112. New York: Sony BMG Music Entertainment, 2007. Disc 8, "Stravinsky – Symphony in E-flat, Rehearsals & Talks" 88697103112-08.