CDXXXV. STRAVINSKY, Igor (1882-1971)
"For many years I had taken no pleasure in the blend of strings struck in the piano with strings set in vibration by the bow. In order to reconcile myself to this instrumental combination, I was compelled to use the minimum number of instruments, that is to say, only two, for in that way I saw the possibility of solving the instrumental and acoustic problem of associating the strings of the piano with those of the violin. Thus originated the idea of the Duo concertant for violin and piano. The mating of these instruments seems to bring about greater clarity than the combination of a piano with several stringed instruments, which tends to confusion with the orchestra." -- Stravinsky
Plus he was doing a big tour with Samuel Dushkin -- for whom he had written the Violin Concerto -- and needed some original material to play!
**
Both parts are extremely technically demanding.
An eclogue is a short poem, or pastoral dialogue; the dithyramb was an ancient Greek hymn.
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