Igor Stravinsky, born on June 17, 1882, in Oranienbaum, Russia (now Lomonosov), was one of the most influential composers of the 20th century, known for his groundbreaking work in both Music and Dance. Here are key aspects of his life and career:
Stravinsky was born into a musical family. His father, Fyodor Stravinsky, was a famous opera singer at the Mariinsky Theatre. Although Igor initially studied law at the University of Saint Petersburg, his interest in music was sparked by meeting Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, who later became his mentor.
Stravinsky's early works included compositions like "Scherzo fantastique" and "Fireworks," but it was his ballet scores for Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes that brought him international fame. His three ballets, The Firebird (1910), Petrushka (1911), and especially The Rite of Spring (1913), were revolutionary, causing a sensation in the music world with their innovative orchestration, rhythm, and thematic content.
Throughout his career, Stravinsky went through several stylistic phases:
Stravinsky moved to France in 1914 and later to the United States in 1939 due to the political situation in Europe. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1945. His later works continued to explore new musical territories while revisiting his earlier styles.
Stravinsky's influence extends beyond music into dance, theater, and film. He is often credited with bridging the gap between the late Romantic period and modernism. His works are still widely performed and studied for their innovation and complexity.
Igor Stravinsky died on April 6, 1971, in New York City.