If you asked any musicologist who are the top five most important composers of the 20th century, Igor Stravinsky will certainly be on that list. Stravinsky's three major ballets - The Firebird, Petrushka, and The Rite of Spring - remain landmarks of innovative soundscapes, introducing exciting new explorations of the basic elements of music. You will also find it fascinating how Stravinsky incorporates well-known folk melodies into his music. In this episode, we will examine The Firebird and discuss how this amazing piece by a composer still in his twenties reaches back, and looks forward, in its stylistic traits.
