Igor Stravinsky
Russian composer whose ballets for Diaghilev reshaped twentieth-century classical music.
via Wikipedia: List of compositions by Igor Stravinsky · see source
Igor Stravinsky is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential composers of the twentieth century and a central figure in modernist music. Born into a musical family in Saint Petersburg, he studied piano and music theory as a child. While pursuing a law degree at the University of Saint Petersburg, he met the composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov and studied under him until 1908. Shortly after, Stravinsky met impresario Sergei Diaghilev, who commissioned three ballets for the Ballets Russes in Paris: *The Firebird* (1910), *Petrushka* (1911), and *The Rite of Spring* (1913). The premiere of *The Rite of Spring* caused a near-riot due to its avant-garde nature and fundamentally altered how composers approached rhythmic structure.
Stravinsky’s career is typically divided into three periods. His Russian period (1913–1920) drew heavily on Russian folklore and folk poetry, as seen in works like *Renard* (1916), and also integrated popular forms such as tango, waltz, and ragtime. His neoclassical period (1920–1951) revived classical techniques like sonata form in his *Octet* (1923) and used Greek mythological themes in pieces such as *Oedipus rex* (1927) and *Persephone* (1935). In his serial period (1954–1968), he adopted the twelve-tone technique of the Second Viennese School, beginning with *In Memoriam Dylan Thomas* (1954). His final major work, *Requiem Canticles* (1966), was performed at his funeral. Though his stylistic shifts confused many contemporaries, later writers recognized his versatility as crucial to modernist music. His innovations influenced composers including Aaron Copland, Philip Glass, Béla Bartók, and Pierre Boulez. In 1998, *Time* magazine listed him among the 100 most influential people of the century. Stravinsky died of pulmonary edema on 6 April 1971 in New York City.
- field
- Composer, pianist, conductor
- known_for
- Ballets for Ballets Russes (The Firebird, Petrushka, The Rite of Spring); three
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Stravinsky's music is typically divided into three style periods: the Russian period (c. 1907–1919), the neoclassical period (c. 1920–1954), and the serial period (1954–1968). His Russian period is characterized by the use of Russian folk tunes and the influence of Rimsky-Korsakov, Tchaikovsky, Glazunov, and Taneyev. His neoclassical period reflected back to the techniques and themes of the Classical period, like his use of the sonata form in the first movement of his Octet (1923) and the Greek mythological themes in Apollo (1928), Perséphone (1933), and Orpheus (1947). His serial period began with using Schoenberg's twelve-tone technique dodecaphony in Agon (1954–57), later experimenting with non-twelve-tone techniques in his Cantata (1952) and Septet (1953).
Reader's Guide
Stravinsky's most famous works remain the three ballets commissioned by Diaghilev: The Firebird (1910), Petrushka (1911), and The Rite of Spring (1913). His compositions span opera, ballet, orchestral, concertante, choral, vocal, and chamber works. Notable operas include The Nightingale (1914), Mavra (1922), Oedipus rex (1927), and The Rake's Progress (1951). His ballets include Les Noces (1914–17 and 1919–23), Pulcinella (1920), Apollo (1928), Le Baiser de la fée (1928), Jeu de cartes (1936), Orpheus (1947), and Agon (1957). His orchestral works include the Symphony in E-flat major, Op. 1 (1907), Scherzo fantastique, Op. 3 (1908), Feu d'artifice, Op. 4 (1908), and the Symphony in C (1940).
Did You Know?
- Stravinsky studied composition under Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov from 1902 to 1908, and Feu d'artifice was his last piece composed under him.
- The premiere of Stravinsky's Scherzo fantastique and Feu d'artifice in 1909 was attended by Sergei Diaghilev, who then commissioned Stravinsky to write arrangements for the 1909 ballet season.
- Stravinsky's Funeral Song, Op. 5 (1908), composed to commemorate the death of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, was lost until September 2015.
- Stravinsky's serial period began with using Schoenberg's twelve-tone technique in Agon (1954–57).
- The Kirchmeyer-Verzeichnis (K Catalog) is an annotated catalog of Stravinsky's works, first published in 2002.
Why It Matters (Editorial)
Stravinsky’s enduring significance lies in his ability to reinvent musical language across decades, from the folk-infused rhythms of his Russian period to the neoclassical order of *Apollo* and, later, the serial precision of *Agon*. His ballets for Diaghilev—particularly *The Rite of Spring*—remain cultural touchstones not only for their explosive impact on modern music but also for how they challenged audiences to hear rhythm, structure, and narrative in radically new ways.
Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)
"Igor Stravinsky (1936). An Autobiography, p. 53-54." — Igor Stravinsky "My music is best understood by children and animals." — Igor Stravinsky "Igor Stravinsky. The Observer, Oct 8, 1961." — Igor Stravinsky "One has a nose. The nose scents and it chooses. An artist is simply a kind of pig snouting truffles." — Igor Stravinsky
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Igor Stravinsky?
Igor Stravinsky was a Russian-born composer and conductor (1882–1971) who became one of the defining figures of modernist music. He is best known for his revolutionary ballet scores and his work leading orchestras.
What are Stravinsky's most famous compositions?
His three landmark ballets for the Ballets Russes—The Firebird, Petrushka, and The Rite of Spring—are his most celebrated works. The Rite of Spring in particular caused a famous uproar at its 1913 premiere and remains one of the most performed orchestral pieces of the 20th century.
How did Stravinsky's musical style change over time?
His career is generally divided into three broad phases: an early Russian period rooted in folk-inspired orchestration, a middle neoclassical period drawing on 18th-century forms, and a late serial period employing twelve-tone techniques. This evolution shows a composer who continually reinvented his own language.
What was Stravinsky's nationality and where did he live?
Born in Oranienbaum, Russia, he later became a French citizen in 1934 and an American citizen in 1945, dying in New York City in 1971. His life thus spanned three countries across two continents.
Why is Stravinsky considered so important in music history?
He is widely regarded as one of the most influential composers of the 20th century because his works fundamentally reshaped how orchestras, dancers, and audiences experienced music. His rhythmic innovations and willingness to break conventional forms opened doors for virtually every modernist composer who followed.
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