Violin works of Igor Stravinsky

Abstract

The violin works of Igor Stravinsky form an integral and vital part of the contemporary violin repertoire. The violin works fall into two categories: original compositions and transcriptions of previous compositions. Included in these transcriptions are orchestral suites and selections from ballet and opera. Many similarities can be noted among the compositions of this genre. The majority were composed or transcribed during a fifteen year period of Stravinsky's career and they exhibit a particular style of composition utilized by Stravinsky at that time. These violin works also generate from an amiable association between Stravinsky and a young violin virtuoso, Samuel Dushkin. During this time, Stravinsky was changing the focus of his career from that of being primarily a composer, to composer, conductor and performer. This necessitated compositions which Stravinsky could perform on tours with Dushkin. This study will be primarily concerned with Stravinsky's compositions for violin written during the years 1931 to 1935. In order to put these compositions in perspective, it is beneficial to investigate earlier events in Stravinsky's life.