Why Stravinsky's rhythms are so infectious

When Stravinsky is mentioned, his extraordinary sense of rhythm is almost always highlighted. His masterful technique of fragmenting and displacing motifs is perhaps most apparent in this short extract of Danse Russe from Petrushka but eventually reaches its peak in the ballet that would follow immediately after, The Rite of Spring. This constant rhythmic play and subtle motivic variation creates a drive that spurs the music forward. What's indeed remarkable is how Stravinsky constructs an entire piece out of 2 motifs, creating a structure that resembles a sort of Rondo form. These two motifs undergo transformations in both texture and character to ultimately create a lively and colourful discourse that keeps the listener on the edge of their seat. G mixolydian mode dominates in the overall modal harmony but it almost seems like the colour of a dominant 7 chord catches up to the composer as he does end with a perfect cadence in C major, following a long stable pedal on G that turns out to be preparing a dominant. Sokolov's incredible rendition brings immediate lightness and clarity to a piece that's often treated with a heavier touch, allowing for greater contrast between sections and a more dance-like character. Recording(Sokolov):    • Grigory Sokolov plays Stravinsky Petrushka...