CDXI. STRAVINSKY, Igor (1882-1971)
Agon (1957)
The London Symphony Orchestra
Michael Tilson-Thomas, cond.
[scrolling score]
(23:57)
Agon (Greek) = contest/protagonist/anguish/struggle
Scored for a huge orchestra (piccolo, 3 flutes, 2 oboes, English horn, 2 clarinets, bass clarinet, 2 bassoons, contrabassoon, 4 horns, 4 trumpets, 3 trombones, harp, piano, mandolin, timpani, tom-tom, xylophone, castanets, and strings.
There are no tuttis; each movement features a different combination of these forces, but Stravinsky writes complicated music for everyone -- including the mandolin, which is featured prominently.
This is serial music (at one point, Stravinsky introduces a 17-tone row!), but it sounds pleasant enough -- the term neobaroque (dances) might do better than neoclassical (notice the article features a picture of Stravinsky!), though no terminology is required. It is just very good music.
Here's a good performance of the New York City Ballet performing most it.
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