Igor Stravinsky

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Igor Stravinsky
Stravinsky in 1921
Background information
Birth name	Igor Fyodorovich Stravinsky
Born	(1882-06-17)17 June 1882 Oranienbaum, Russian Empire
Died	6 April 1971(1971-04-06) (aged 88) New York City, United States
Occupation(s)	Composer, conductor, pianist
Years active	1907–1967

Igor Fyodorovich Stravinsky (Russian: Игорь Фёдорович Стравинский; 17 June 1882 – 6 April 1971) was a Russian-born composer, conductor, and pianist. He is widely considered one of the most important and influential composers of the 20th century. Stravinsky's work is noted for its stylistic diversity.

Early life and education

Stravinsky was born in Oranienbaum, a suburb of Saint Petersburg, to a musical family. His father, Fyodor Stravinsky, was a bass singer at the Mariinsky Theatre, and his mother, Anna, was a competent pianist. Stravinsky began piano lessons at an early age and showed great talent. He later studied law at Saint Petersburg University, but his passion for music led him to study composition with Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.

Career

Stravinsky's early works, such as The Firebird (1910), Petrushka (1911), and The Rite of Spring (1913), were composed for the Ballets Russes and brought him international fame. The Rite of Spring is particularly noted for its innovative use of rhythm and dissonance, which caused a sensation at its premiere in Paris.

Neoclassical period

In the 1920s, Stravinsky adopted a neoclassical style, drawing inspiration from earlier music forms. Notable works from this period include Pulcinella (1920), Symphony of Psalms (1930), and The Rake's Progress (1951).

Serial period

In the 1950s, Stravinsky began experimenting with serialism, a method of composition using a series of values to manipulate different musical elements. His works from this period include Agon (1957) and Canticum Sacrum (1955).

Personal life

Stravinsky married his cousin, Yekaterina Nosenko, in 1906, and they had four children. After her death in 1939, he married Vera de Bosset. Stravinsky became a naturalized citizen of France in 1934 and of the United States in 1945. He spent his later years in Los Angeles and New York City.

Legacy

Stravinsky's influence on 20th-century music is profound. His innovative compositions and ability to adapt to different musical styles have inspired countless composers. He is remembered as a pivotal figure in the history of music.

Selected works

• The Firebird (1910)
• Petrushka (1911)
• The Rite of Spring (1913)
• Pulcinella (1920)
• Symphony of Psalms (1930)
• The Rake's Progress (1951)
• Agon (1957)
• Canticum Sacrum (1955)

See also

• List of compositions by Igor Stravinsky
• Ballets Russes
• Serialism
• Neoclassicism (music)