20 Fascinating Facts About Igor Stravinsky: A Revolutionary Composer of the 20th Century

Igor Stravinsky | Biography, Music, & Facts | Britannica

Igor Stravinsky remains one of the most influential and innovative composers of the 20th century. With a career that spanned over six decades and touched nearly every major musical movement of the modern era, Stravinsky reshaped the possibilities of composition and performance. Here are 20 compelling facts about his life and work that highlight why he continues to fascinate musicians and music lovers alike.

1. He Was Born in Russia, But Lived Around the World

Igor Stravinsky was born on June 17, 1882, in Oranienbaum, Russia (now Lomonosov), and grew up in St. Petersburg. Throughout his life, he lived in Switzerland, France, and eventually the United States, becoming a truly international figure.

2. His Father Was a Bass Singer

Stravinsky’s father, Fyodor Stravinsky, was a well-known opera singer at the Mariinsky Theatre. His musical career and connections gave Igor early exposure to classical music.

3. He Studied Law Before Turning to Music

Though he had a deep interest in music, Stravinsky initially studied law at the University of St. Petersburg. He later pursued music seriously after being mentored by composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.

4. Rimsky-Korsakov Was His Main Teacher

who was Rimsky Korsakov to Stravinsky? – Google Search

Stravinsky began private lessons with Rimsky-Korsakov in 1905. The influence of his teacher is evident in Stravinsky’s early works, especially in his orchestration skills.

5. His First Break Came from Sergei Diaghilev

The impresario Sergei Diaghilev commissioned Stravinsky to write music for the Ballets Russes, which led to three of his most iconic ballets: The Firebird (1910), Petrushka (1911), and The Rite of Spring (1913).

6. The Rite of Spring Caused a Riot

At its 1913 premiere in Paris, The Rite of Spring shocked audiences with its avant-garde music and choreography. The uproar was so intense it led to a near-riot, now considered a landmark moment in modern music history.

7. He Reinvented His Style Multiple Times

Stravinsky’s career is notable for its stylistic diversity. After his Russian period, he entered a neoclassical phase, drawing on 18th-century forms. Later, he embraced serialism, showing his openness to new ideas throughout his life.

8. He Was a Master of Rhythm

One of Stravinsky’s most distinctive features was his complex, irregular rhythms. Works like The Rite of Spring and Les Noces pushed rhythmic boundaries and inspired generations of composers.

9. He Composed in Every Major Genre

Stravinsky wrote ballets, operas, symphonies, concertos, chamber music, choral works, and even jazz-inspired pieces, displaying remarkable versatility.

10. He Collaborated with Famous Artists

Stravinsky worked with some of the greatest artists of the 20th century, including Pablo Picasso, Jean Cocteau, and choreographers like George Balanchine.

11. He Was Also a Pianist and Conductor

In addition to composing, Stravinsky often conducted his own works and toured as a pianist, especially during his time in the United States.

12. He Immigrated to the United States in 1939

With the outbreak of World War II, Stravinsky moved to the U.S. and eventually settled in Los Angeles. He became an American citizen in 1945.

13. He Was Influenced by Jazz and American Music

Stravinsky found inspiration in American jazz and popular music, which can be heard in works like Ragtime and Ebony Concerto.

14. He Maintained a Rigorous Work Schedule

Stravinsky was known for his discipline and often followed a strict daily routine, including specific times for composing, reading, and exercise.

15. He Was a Devoutly Religious Man

His Orthodox Christian faith influenced many works, including Symphony of Psalms and Mass, which blend sacred themes with modern musical techniques.

16. He Appeared on TV Talk Shows

In his later years, Stravinsky became a cultural icon and appeared on popular American TV shows like The Tonight Show, bringing classical music to broader audiences.

17. He Had a Long Creative Life

Stravinsky composed well into his 80s, a rare feat among composers. His final major work, Requiem Canticles, was completed in 1966.

18. He Was Buried in Venice

Stravinsky died on April 6, 1971, in New York City, but he was buried on the island of San Michele in Venice, near the grave of his friend Diaghilev.

19. He Was Always a Musical Rebel

Stravinsky often rejected the trends of his time and redefined musical norms. He famously said, “To listen is an effort, and just to hear is no merit. A duck hears also.”

20. His Legacy Remains Immense

Igor Stravinsky – Violin Concerto in D (1931) [with score]

Stravinsky’s innovations continue to influence composers, choreographers, and performers. From the primal energy of The Rite of Spring to the elegance of his neoclassical works, his music is a cornerstone of modern composition