Igor Stravinsky
1882-1971
Period of Music: 20th Century Contemporary
Nationality: Russian
Instruments he played: piano
Popular compositions: The Firebird, Petrushka, The Rite of Spring, The Rake's Progress, Fireworks
Interesting Facts:
-Stravinsky began piano lessons when he was nine. He liked to improvise and compose.
-He studied law at St. Petersburg University.
-At a concert in 1893, Stravinsky met Tchaikovsky during the intermission.
-Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, another Russian composer, was his mentor and musical advisor and
had a profound influence on Stravinsky's life and compositions.
-The Firebird ballet, first performed in Paris, was an immediate success and brought instant fame
to Stravinsky.
-The Rite of Spring ballet premiered in Paris in 1913. A riot occurred and police were called
as some members of the audience were startled at the new harmonies and rhythms.
-During his lifetime, Stravinsky was a citizen of 3 countries: Russia, France, USA.
-The music from one of his ballets (The Rite of Spring) was used in Walt Disney's movie "Fantasia".
-He studied law at St. Petersburg University.
-At a concert in 1893, Stravinsky met Tchaikovsky during the intermission.
-Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, another Russian composer, was his mentor and musical advisor and
had a profound influence on Stravinsky's life and compositions.
-The Firebird ballet, first performed in Paris, was an immediate success and brought instant fame
to Stravinsky.
-The Rite of Spring ballet premiered in Paris in 1913. A riot occurred and police were called
as some members of the audience were startled at the new harmonies and rhythms.
-During his lifetime, Stravinsky was a citizen of 3 countries: Russia, France, USA.
-The music from one of his ballets (The Rite of Spring) was used in Walt Disney's movie "Fantasia".
