One of the most influential composers of the 19th and 20th centuries is Igor Stravinsky. This Russian-born composer, pianist, and conductor left a significant mark on modern music.
Stravinsky became famous for his bold and avant-garde compositions, sparking controversies and changing the way we think about music. But there’s more to him than just his groundbreaking work. Stravinsky’s life was full of fascinating stories and interesting facts that are just as captivating as his music.
In this post, we’ll explore 10 fun facts about Igor Stravinsky, uncovering tales of resilience, innovation, and his relentless pursuit of artistic truth. Let’s dive in!
1. His Father Was A Bass Opera Singer
Igor Stravinsky’s father, Fyodor Stravinsky, was a famous bass opera singer. From a young age, Igor was surrounded by music, often attending his father’s performances. These early experiences sparked his passion for music.
Fyodor taught Igor the importance of dedication, discipline, and commitment to excellence. Igor, in turn, became known for working long hours on his compositions.
Without Fyodor’s influence, Igor might not have developed the same love for music or pursued a career as a composer, which could have changed the course of musical history.
2. His Mentor Was Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov was one of the most famous Russian composers of his time. He became Stravinsky’s mentor when Igor was just 20 years old, playing a big role in shaping his career and development as a composer.
For nearly three years, Stravinsky took private lessons from Rimsky-Korsakov, who guided him through orchestration, harmony, and composition. This gave Stravinsky a strong foundation in music.
Related: Check out our post about the greatest Russian composers here.
3. He Lived Through Two Monumental Periods In History
Believe it or not, Igor Stravinsky lived through both World War I and II, and these events had a big impact on his music and career.
During World War I, Stravinsky was stranded in Switzerland. This time led him to experiment with Russian folklore in his music, as you can hear in pieces like Renard and Les Noces.
World War II brought a different change. In 1939, with Europe on the brink of war again, Stravinsky moved to the United States. There, his style evolved, now incorporating serialism and the 12-tone technique.
4. He Worked In Solitude
Stravinsky had unique working habits, especially his love for solitude. For him, working alone was a necessity for his creativity. He believed his best work happened when he was completely alone.
Stravinsky often chose quiet, secluded spots to compose, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. These peaceful settings helped him concentrate on his music.
However, his need for solitude didn’t mean he was antisocial. In fact, he had a vibrant social life and enjoyed spending time with other artists and intellectuals.
5. His Work Created A Riot
When Igor Stravinsky’s ballet The Rite of Spring premiered at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in 1913, it caused quite a stir.
The ballet started with a high-bassoon melody, followed by complex rhythms and harsh dissonances. Vaslav Nijinsky’s choreography, performed by Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes, was just as bold.
The audience was so shocked that loud arguments and physical fights broke out, drowning out the orchestra.
Despite this chaotic debut, The Rite of Spring is now seen as a groundbreaking work of modernism. It paved the way for musical innovations in the 20th century.
6. He Has Lived In Many Places
Igor Stravinsky was born in Russia in 1882 and started his musical journey in Saint Petersburg. In 1910, he moved to Paris, where he wrote The Firebird, Petrushka, and The Rite of Spring.
During WWI, Stravinsky moved to Switzerland and returned to France after the war. As World War II began, he moved to the United States. He lived in Los Angeles for almost 30 years, where he continued composing; his homes there became cultural landmarks.
He also owned a house in Ustyluh, a remote Ukrainian village, with his first wife, Ekaterina Nossenko.
7. Stravinsky Was Also An Author
In addition to being a famous composer, Igor Stravinsky was also an accomplished writer. His first major book, Poetics of Music, was published in 1942. It started as lectures at Harvard University and explores topics like musical form and the role of composers.
Stravinsky also worked with Robert Craft on several books, such as Conversations with Igor Stravinsky and Memories and Commentaries. These books include interviews and give insight into Stravinsky’s creative process.
He also wrote an autobiography called Chroniques de ma vie, which shares details about his early life and experiences as a young composer.
8. Stravinsky’s Last Major Work Was Requiem Canticles
Igor Stravinsky’s Requiem Canticles is a great example of his creativity and deep musical knowledge in his later years. He composed it in 1966 when he was in his 80s.
This piece is a shorter requiem mass, lasting about 15 minutes. It doesn’t follow the traditional order of a requiem mass, making it quite unique compared to usual requiem settings.
Stravinsky passed away in April 1971, at the age of 88, from heart failure in New York City. Requiem Canticles was played at his funeral, highlighting the special connection he had with this music.
9. He Has A Hollywood Star
Interestingly, Igor Stravinsky is one of the few classical musicians with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His star, located at 6340 Hollywood Blvd., honors his big impact on 20th-century music and his work in radio.
Even though Stravinsky was born and trained in Russia, he spent a lot of time in the United States. He lived in Los Angeles from 1940 until he passed away in 1971.
While in LA, he worked on various projects, including film music, though none of these projects were completed. His time in Hollywood likely helped him earn that star on the Walk of Fame.
10. Stravinsky Has Received Many Awards
Stravinsky had a fantastic career and received several awards. In 1962, he won three Grammy Awards, including Best Classical Composition. He was also nominated for Best Classical Album in 1983.
In 1987, he was given the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 1999, he received the Grammy Hall of Fame Award, which honors recordings that have had a big impact.
Besides the Grammys, Stravinsky earned the Léonie Sonning Music Prize, Denmark’s top music award; the Wihuri Sibelius Prize; and the Royal Philharmonic Society Gold Medal, among others!
Summing Up Our List Of Facts About Igor Stravinsky
As you’ve seen, Igor Stravinsky is a huge figure in classical music. His work changed how people think about music and helped start a new wave of modernism.
As we wrap up this look at Stravinsky’s life and achievements, it’s clear his legacy still inspires and influences music today. His journey is truly remarkable, and we hope you’ve enjoyed learning about his unique contributions to music.
