Igor Stravinsky conducted the premier of his American ballet, Orpheus at the New York City Center.

Igor Fyodorovich Stravinsky, born on June 17, 1882 (or June 5, 1882, according to the Old Style calendar then in use in Russia), and passing away on April 6, 1971, stands as one of the most towering and influential figures in 20th-century music. This Russian-born composer, pianist, and conductor later embraced French citizenship in 1934 and American citizenship in 1945, reflecting a life of significant geographic and artistic transitions. His profound impact on modernism and his relentless pursuit of new musical languages firmly established him as a pivotal force in the evolution of classical music.

A Revolutionary's Dawn: The Ballets Russes and Parisian Triumphs

Stravinsky's journey to international renown began with an electrifying collaboration that would shake the foundations of the musical world. It was the visionary impresario Sergei Diaghilev who commissioned a series of ballets for his groundbreaking Ballets Russes company, first performed to often-scandalous acclaim in Paris. These early works not only launched Stravinsky's career but also dramatically redefined the possibilities of ballet and orchestral music. Among them, three stand out as cornerstones of his early "Russian Period":

Stylistic Metamorphoses: From Russian Folklore to Neoclassical Order

Following the groundbreaking success of his early ballets, Stravinsky continued to explore and refine what is often referred to as his "Russian phase" with works such as Renard, L'Histoire du soldat (The Soldier's Tale), and Les noces (The Wedding). These compositions maintained a strong connection to Russian folk themes, rhythms, and melodic inflections, albeit with an increasingly spare and angular aesthetic.

However, the 1920s marked a significant stylistic pivot for the composer as he embarked upon his Neoclassical period. This shift was partly a reaction to the perceived excesses of Romanticism and the expressive individualism of his earlier works, and perhaps also a desire for a new sense of order and clarity in the tumultuous aftermath of World War I. During this phase, Stravinsky consciously turned to the musical styles and forms of the 18th century, drawing inspiration from masters like Bach and Mozart. His neoclassical works frequently employed traditional structures such as the concerto grosso, fugue, and symphony, but infused them with his distinctive modern harmonies, angular melodies, and characteristic rhythmic vitality. This period demonstrated his remarkable ability to engage with history while simultaneously forging a path uniquely his own, balancing homage with innovation.

The Late Years: Embracing Serialism with a Personal Stamp

By the 1950s, Stravinsky's insatiable curiosity and relentless pursuit of new compositional challenges led him to yet another stylistic evolution: the adoption of serial procedures, sometimes referred to as twelve-tone technique, pioneered by Arnold Schoenberg. This marked a profound shift from his previous tonal and modal explorations, as serialism typically involves the systematic use of all twelve notes of the chromatic scale in a specific order, or "row."

Despite embracing this new, often highly structured, approach, Stravinsky's late serial compositions remarkably retained many of the defining traits that had characterized his earlier output. Listeners can still discern the unmistakable rhythmic energy that propelled his works, the ingenious construction of extended melodic ideas from just a few two- or three-note cells, and the ever-present clarity of form and instrumentation that defined his unique musical voice. This late period underscored his mastery, demonstrating that even within seemingly rigid systems, his distinctive artistic personality shone through, leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscape of the 20th century.

Frequently Asked Questions About Igor Stravinsky

Who was Igor Stravinsky?
Igor Stravinsky was a profoundly influential Russian composer, pianist, and conductor who later became a citizen of France and the United States. He is widely considered one of the most important and innovative composers of the 20th century, a key figure in the development of modernist music.
What are Stravinsky's most famous works?
His most renowned compositions are the ballets he created for Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes: The Firebird (1910), Petrushka (1911), and especially The Rite of Spring (1913), the latter of which caused a sensation at its premiere.
How did Stravinsky's musical style evolve over his career?
Stravinsky's career is notable for its stylistic diversity, often categorized into three major periods: the "Russian phase" (early 20th century, drawing on Russian folklore and characterized by rhythmic dynamism), the "Neoclassical phase" (1920s-1950s, a return to traditional forms and styles with a modern twist), and the "Serial phase" (1950s-1960s, embracing twelve-tone techniques while retaining his distinct rhythmic and formal clarity).
Why was The Rite of Spring so controversial?
Its premiere in Paris in 1913 famously incited a riot. The controversy stemmed from its radical musical language—characterized by unprecedented dissonance, jagged harmonies, and primitive, pounding rhythms—and its depiction of pagan rituals and human sacrifice, which challenged contemporary aesthetic sensibilities.
What is Neoclassicism in the context of Stravinsky's music?
For Stravinsky, Neoclassicism involved a deliberate turning back to the musical forms, textures, and clarity of 18th-century music, particularly drawing from composers like Bach and Mozart. He reinterpreted these classical structures (like the symphony or concerto grosso) through a modern lens, infusing them with his characteristic rhythmic drive and harmonic audacity.
What was Stravinsky's connection to Sergei Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes?
Sergei Diaghilev was the visionary impresario who founded the Ballets Russes, an influential ballet company based in Paris. Diaghilev commissioned Stravinsky's three most famous early ballets—The Firebird, Petrushka, and The Rite of Spring—which were pivotal in launching Stravinsky's international career and redefining modern ballet.
What nationalities did Stravinsky hold during his life?
Born a Russian citizen, he later acquired French citizenship in 1934 and then American citizenship in 1945, reflecting his extensive travels and residences in Europe and the United States.