Igor Stravinsky

(1882-1971)
(Eee-gore Straw-vin-ski)

Igor Stravinsky’s music was loved and hated in his lifetime. Stravinsky used innovative and unexpected rhythmic and harmonic structures, creating a new avant-garde style that was influential on numerous composers. His most infamous work, The Rite of Spring, caused a near riot at its first performance. Stravinsky wrote in three unique styles during his career; the first was based on Russian folk and fairy tales, the second utilized classical structures in new ways, and the final used serialism, a method of composing that uses all twelve pitches without the traditional scales. Stravinsky’s music varies widely and brought in many new ideas, making him one of the most important composers in 20th century classical music.

Important Works

• Rite of Spring

• The Firebird

• Les Noces

• L’Histoire du Soldat

• Pulcinella

• Octet for Wind Instruments

• Symphony of Psalms

• Symphony in C

• Requiem Canticles

Further Listening