Creating Stravinsky’s Symphony in Three Movements
Inside Igor Stravinsky's first work composed entirely in the United States, commissioned and premiered by the New York Philharmonic in 1946.
Stravinsky conducting 1937 (January 1937) by Schaal, EricNew York Philharmonic
Stravinsky and the New York Philharmonic
Russian expatriate composer and conductor Igor Stravinsky's 41-year relationship with the New York Philharmonic began in 1925, when the orchestra arranged his first-ever appearances in the United States.
Letter from NYP Board of Directors to Arthur Sachs (February 14, 1945) by New York Philharmonic Board of DirectorsNew York Philharmonic
A Financier's Gift
In 1945, a friend of Stravinsky's who sat on the Philharmonic's Board of Directors offered funds for a new work by the composer. The source of the gift was anonymous, departing from the traditional music patronage process wherein the Music Director initiates the commission.
"La Victoire"
From its inception, the piece was intended to celebrate the impending victory of the Allied powers and the end of World War II.
Stravinsky Agrees
A day later, the contract was signed. Stravinsky had already drafted two movements for unrealized film projects. After revision and the addition of a finale, the Symphony in Three Movements was completed early the following year.
Press release announcing the commission with other details for the upcoming 1945-46 season.
Stravinsky in his studio, Biarritz (1924)New York Philharmonic
Stravinsky, who had settled in the United States in 1940, was already a celebrity in American musical circles. He established deep connections with fellow artists on the east and west coasts, taking on as much work as possible to support himself and his family.
Stravinsky studio #1 (desk) (Circa 1940s)New York Philharmonic
The Composer’s Studio
Photographs from the Lillian Libman collection on Igor Stravinsky of his studio in Hollywood, California illustrate sources of inspiration and the tools he used to compose the Symphony in Three Movements.
Left: tools for engraving music scores. Right: Stravinsky's upright piano.
An Absolute Symphony
In this program note written for the Philharmonic, Stravinsky distanced his work from the wartime connotations assigned to it by its sponsors. However, he made significant changes to its finale on August 7, 1945—the day after the U.S. dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan.
From Carnegie Hall to Columbia Records
Stravinsky conducted the World Premiere of the Symphony in Three Movements with the New York Philharmonic on January 24 & 25, 1946. The program also included his Scènes de Ballet, whose concert premiere the Philharmonic gave the year prior, and a new version of the Firebird Suite.
Symphony in Three Movements (1947)New York Philharmonic
Recording
Two days later, he conducted the Philharmonic again in a recording of the piece for Columbia Records. It was the last symphony he would ever compose, and his first work to debut after becoming a naturalized American citizen in December 1945.
Stravinsky conducting Symphony of Psalms (July 23, 1966) by Statler, AlfredNew York Philharmonic
His affiliation with the orchestra continued until 1966, when he conducted an All-Stravinsky Festival, after which he began winding down his public appearances. The NY Phil would commission just a handful of new works until inaugurating their new home at Lincoln Center in 1962.
This digital exhibit was curated by Meredith Self, Assistant Archivist, for the New York Philharmonic Archives.
Gabryel Smith, Director, Archives & Exhibitions; Bill Levay, Digital Archivist.
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