Stravinsky (1882-1971) and Prokofiev (1891-1953) are two of the most well-known composers of the twentieth century.
Their combination of primitivism and sophistication, inherited from the likes of Rimsky-Korsakov, Mussorgsky and the other members of the Kuchka (the ‘Mighty Handful’) served to shift a significant amount of the focus of music from nineteenth century Germany to early twentieth century Russia.
Two early works by each composer:
Stravinsky’s Symphony in E-flat was completed in 1905 and revised in 1907. It clearly shows the influence of his teacher Rimsky-Korsakov and his circle:
0:49 Allegro moderato
13:05 Scherzo
19:57 Largo
35:42 Finale (Allegro molto)
Feu d’artifice [Fireworks] was written as a wedding present for Rimsky-Korsakov’s daughter. It’s more harmonically innovative than the Symphony and demonstrates the composer’s brilliant skill in writing for orchestra (inherited from Korsakov):
Prokofiev’s First Piano Concerto written around 1912; it’s a short, one movement work (15/16 minutes) that demands great virtuosity from its soloist:
00:29 Allegro Brioso
07:18 Andante Assai
11:34 Allegro Scherzando
The Scythian Suite dates from 1915. The music was originally intended for Diaghilev’s Ballet Russe but was rejected by that finicky impresario as ‘not Russian enough’. Not wanting to waste his labours, Prokofiev then re-formed the music into a four movement orchestral suite:
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The Art of Listening 