Koussevitzky and Stravinsky: The Symphony of Psalms and Beyond
Stravinsky's relationship with the BSO began in 1914 with a performance of his Fireworks, Op. 4 conducted by Karl Muck, and continued through the tenure of Pierre Monteux, who conducted several of Stravinsky's ballet suites in concert. But it was Serge Koussevitzky who elevated the relationship between the BSO and Stravinsky through his tireless promotion of the fellow Russian-born composer. Koussevitzky conducted several U.S. premieres of Stravinsky's works and convinced the BSO Trustees to commission a work from Stravinsky as part of the orchestra's 50th anniversary season celebrations. It was also during Koussevitzky's tenure that Stravinsky was invited to guest conduct the BSO, often in programs of his own works.
Portrait of Russian-born composer Igor Stravinsky (1882–1971)
Born in St. Petersburg, Stravinsky became a French citizen in 1934 and an American citizen in 1945.
One of the BSO's First Commissions
BSO score, with inscription, for Igor Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms, commissioned in honor of the BSO’s 50th anniversary season
Serge Koussevitzky initiated the BSO’s commissioning legacy when he persuaded the BSO Trustees to support living composers in honor of the orchestra’s 50th anniversary season in 1930-1931. One of these anniversary commissions was Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms.
Letter from BSO Music Director Serge Koussevitzky to BSO President of the Trustees Frederick P. Cabot regarding Symphony of Psalms, dated September 5, 1930
Koussevitzky enthusiastically describes the composition that the orchestra commissioned from Stravinsky for its 50th anniversary season, and reminds the BSO President of Trustees to send the composer his payment.
Letter from composer Igor Stravinsky to BSO President of the Trustees Frederick P. Cabot, January 9, 1930
Composer Igor Stravinsky writes to BSO President of the Trustees confirming contractual details regarding the composer's Symphony of Psalms, which the BSO commissioned in honor of its 50th anniversary. The BSO gave the U.S. premiere of the work on Dec. 19, 1930.
A United States Premiere
Program book for U.S. premiere performance of Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms, December 19, 1930
Note that not one but two Stravinsky works received their U.S. premieres on the December 19 and 20, 1930 pair of BSO concerts: the BSO commission Symphony of Psalms, and a Stravinsky’s Capriccio for Piano and Orchestra. Koussevitzky had intended to perform the Symphony of Psalms twice on the same program, but re-seating logistics for both orchestra and chorus caused him to discard the extra performance.
Newspaper clipping announcing the U.S. premiere of Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms
An in-depth preview of the upcoming work also explained the logistical difficulties of Koussevitzky’s original plan to perform the work twice on the same program.
Stravinsky in Action
Sketch of Igor Stravinsky by Olga Naumova, circa 1939
Olga Naumova Koussevitzky sketched many of the artists and personalities she encountered in her role as Serge Koussevitzky’s secretary prior to her marriage to him in 1947, including this one of fellow Russian Igor Stravinsky.
Snapshots of Igor Stravinsky rehearsing with the BSO, circa 1949
Stravinsky conducted the BSO several times in the 1930s and 1940s, mostly in programs featuring his own compositions.
Photographs by John Brook
