A rite of passage

Despite its riotous beginnings, Stravinsky's radical evocation of Russian folk-culture and ancient traditions is one of the most recorded works from the 20th-century repertoire. As inspiring as it was inciting at its 1913 premiere, it is a distinct turning point in composition, and one not to be missed by intermediate or beginner symphony-goers.

On the evening of May 29, 1913, shocked by the avant-garde nature of the work, the audience of The Theatre des Champs-Elysees had no qualms in loudly voicing their disapproval of the daring new production scored by Stravinsky for the Ballet Ruses. Afterwards, the ballet itself took longer to gain popularity, but when isolated, the score gained traction almost immediately in the concert halls of Europe, ensuring its survival.