Stravinsky Violin Concerto (ballet)

The Stravinsky Violin Concerto (ballet) refers to various choreographic interpretations set to Igor Stravinsky's Violin Concerto in D major. Because the music itself is abstract and non-programmatic, choreographers have approached it with a variety of interpretations, ranging from purely abstract dance to narratives suggested by the movements and interactions between the dancers.

The concerto was composed in 1931 and premiered with Samuel Dushkin as the soloist. Though not initially conceived as ballet music, its rhythmic vitality, neoclassical style, and clear structure have proven appealing to choreographers seeking a substantial and intellectually stimulating score.

Notable choreographers who have created ballets to the Stravinsky Violin Concerto include:

• George Balanchine: His 1972 ballet, often simply titled Violin Concerto, is considered a landmark interpretation and is frequently revived by ballet companies worldwide. It is a non-narrative ballet, focusing on the interplay between the music and the movement.

• Jerome Robbins: While specific details about Robbins' engagement with the concerto are limited in readily available sources, it remains a significant piece for choreographers.

• William Forsythe: Forsythe has also choreographed to Stravinsky's Violin Concerto. Specific details and titles of his ballet using the music may vary.

Other choreographers have also engaged with the concerto, resulting in a diverse range of ballets that showcase the versatility of Stravinsky's score and the creativity of the choreographers who have interpreted it. The Stravinsky Violin Concerto (ballet) title, therefore, refers not to a single fixed ballet, but to a body of work connected by the shared musical source. The interpretations frequently highlight the neo-classical aspects of both the music and the choreography.