30 Interesting Facts about Igor Stravinsky

Dan October 18, 2023

Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971) was a Russian-born composer, conductor, and pianist, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in 20th-century classical music. He gained international acclaim for his pioneering works that broke traditional musical boundaries, embracing a diverse range of styles and techniques. Stravinsky’s early compositions, like “The Firebird” (1910) and “Petrushka” (1911), established his reputation, showcasing innovative orchestration and rhythmic complexity influenced by Russian folklore.

One of Stravinsky’s most controversial and iconic works is “The Rite of Spring” (1913). Its avant-garde approach and dissonant sounds sparked a riot at its premiere in Paris, symbolizing a seismic shift in the world of classical music. Stravinsky continued to evolve, embracing neoclassicism in the 1920s and ’30s, seen in works like “Pulcinella” (1920) and “Symphony of Psalms” (1930). This phase showcased a return to simpler forms and a revival of 18th-century musical styles.

Stravinsky’s later years saw him experimenting with serialism and twelve-tone techniques, marking yet another shift in his creative trajectory. His later works like “Threni” (1958) and “The Flood” (1962) displayed his ability to adapt and innovate throughout his prolific career. Stravinsky’s contributions to music continue to be celebrated, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of classical composition and inspiring generations of musicians and composers.

To know more about Igor Stravinsky, let’s take a look at these 30 interesting facts about Igor Stravinsky.

1. Early Musical Prodigy: Igor Stravinsky showed musical talent from a young age, demonstrating a particular aptitude for piano and composition.
2. Mixed Heritage: Stravinsky was born in Oranienbaum, Russia (now Lomonosov), to a Russian mother and a father of Polish and Ukrainian descent.
3. Influence of Rimsky-Korsakov: Stravinsky received early guidance from Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, a prominent Russian composer, and his influence greatly impacted Stravinsky’s early compositions.
4. Russian Folklore Influence: Many of Stravinsky’s early works, such as “The Firebird,” “Petrushka,” and “The Rite of Spring,” were deeply influenced by Russian folklore and fairy tales.
5. Revolutionary Collaboration with Diaghilev: Stravinsky collaborated with Serge Diaghilev, the founder of Ballets Russes, resulting in groundbreaking ballets that challenged traditional musical norms.
6. The Riot at the Premiere of “The Rite of Spring”: The premiere of “The Rite of Spring” in Paris in 1913 caused a near-riot due to its innovative and controversial nature.
7. World War I and Relocation: Stravinsky moved to Switzerland during World War I and then to France, where he collaborated with artists such as Pablo Picasso and Jean Cocteau.
8. Emigration to the United States: Fleeing World War II and the Russian Revolution, Stravinsky emigrated to the United States and eventually became a U.S. citizen in 1945.
9. Neoclassical Period: Stravinsky embraced neoclassicism, characterized by a return to traditional musical forms and styles, during the 1920s and ’30s.
10. Commissioned by Ballet Russes: Many of Stravinsky’s early ballets were commissioned by Serge Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes, showcasing his talents in composing for dance.
11. Music for Hollywood: Stravinsky composed music for Hollywood films, including “The Song of Bernadette” (1943) and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” (1960).
12. Marital Controversy: Stravinsky’s second marriage to Vera de Bosset caused a scandal due to his infidelity and eventual abandonment of his first wife, Katya Nossenko.
13. Life in Los Angeles: Stravinsky spent a significant portion of his later life in Los Angeles, where he became a prominent figure in the city’s cultural scene.
14. Collaboration with Picasso: Stravinsky collaborated with Pablo Picasso on the ballet “Pulcinella,” where Picasso designed the sets and costumes.
15. Love for Shakespeare: Stravinsky had a deep appreciation for Shakespeare’s works, setting some of the Bard’s texts to music in compositions like “Oedipus Rex.”
16. First Symphony in C Major: At the age of 21, Stravinsky completed his first symphony, demonstrating early mastery of orchestral composition.
17. The Influence of Bach: Johann Sebastian Bach’s work had a profound impact on Stravinsky, leading him to arrange several of Bach’s compositions for modern performance.
18. Interest in Musicology: Stravinsky developed an interest in musicology, studying and transcribing works from the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
19. Love for Mozart: He had a particular admiration for Mozart’s music, considering him one of the greatest composers.
20. Relationship with Robert Craft: In his later years, Stravinsky had a close working relationship with conductor and musicologist Robert Craft, collaborating on various projects.
21. Religious Themes in Music: Religious themes were a recurring motif in Stravinsky’s works, often drawing from Greek Orthodox liturgy or other spiritual influences.
22. Prolific Composer: Stravinsky was an incredibly prolific composer, with a vast oeuvre that includes operas, ballets, orchestral compositions, chamber music, choral works, and more.
23. Literary Pursuits: Aside from music, Stravinsky was interested in literature and penned his own autobiography, “Chronicle of My Life.”
24. Prague and World Expositions: Stravinsky held positions in Prague and was commissioned to compose for world expositions, showcasing his global recognition and influence.
25. Strong Advocacy for Copyright: Stravinsky was a staunch advocate for copyright laws, passionately defending intellectual property rights for artists and creators.
26. Experimental Spirit: Throughout his career, Stravinsky was not afraid to experiment with different styles and musical techniques, pushing the boundaries of classical music.
27. Collaboration with Poets: Stravinsky collaborated with renowned poets like T.S. Eliot, W.H. Auden, and Jean Cocteau to set their words to music.
28. Interest in Serialism: In his later years, Stravinsky explored serialism and twelve-tone techniques, showcasing his willingness to adapt and experiment even in his old age.
29. Innovations in Rhythm: Stravinsky was known for his innovative use of rhythm, often creating complex and intricate rhythmic patterns in his compositions.
30. Enduring Legacy: Igor Stravinsky’s influence on modern music is immeasurable, inspiring generations of composers and continuing to shape the course of contemporary classical music.

Igor Stravinsky’s legacy in the realm of classical music remains enduring and profound. A master of innovation and versatility, he shattered musical conventions and redefined the boundaries of what was thought possible. From the visceral, primal rhythms of “The Rite of Spring” to the refined neoclassical elegance of “Pulcinella,” Stravinsky’s compositions reflected the dynamic evolution of his creative spirit throughout his lifetime. His artistic journey encapsulates a quest for the novel, an insatiable curiosity that pushed musical frontiers, leaving an indelible mark on generations of musicians and composers. Stravinsky’s genius lay not only in the brilliance of his creations but in the relentless courage to challenge the status quo, a hallmark that continues to inspire and ignite the imagination of countless music enthusiasts and creators around the globe.