The Capriccio for piano and orchestra was composed by Stravinsky between 1926 and 1929. The piece was revised in 1949.

Like the Piano Concerto with wind accompaniment, Stravinsky composed this virtuoso piece to make a living when he was forced to emigrate to Western Europe after the Russian revolution. In the Capriccio, the composer continues the easy-going tone of the concluding movement of the Piano Concerto. The whole idea of the piece emanated from its last movement (Allegro capriccioso).

Stravinsky's preceding work was The Fairy's Kiss, comprising of arrangements from Tchaikovsky's music, and this gave him the idea to compose a work resembling the wit and charm typical of Tchaikovsky but without actual quotations of his melodies. The brilliant Rondo fully carries out this concept; virtuoso and dance elements appear with refined neo-classical ‘seasoning'.

The end of the piece comes unexpectedly, like the punchline of a joke. The premiere, conducted by Ernest Ansermet, took place at the Salle Pleyel in Paris in December 1929.

The piano part was performed by the composer himself. From the 1930's on, the virtuoso piano part was often played by the composer's son, Soulima Stravinsky, with Igor Stravinsky conducting.

Place: Palace Of Arts

Address: 1095 Budapest, Komor Marcell utca 1.