Igor Stravinsky

Igor Stravinsky was a Russian composer, pianist and conductor and is considered one of the most influential composers of the 20th century. Born in Russia, he officially became a US citizen in 1946.
Stravinsky was most well known because of his diversity. Perhaps Stravinsky’s most famous and controversial works is ‘The Rite of Spring’. ‘The Rite’ is a ballet piece where an entire performance can last about 33 minutes. ‘The rite’ was first conceived in 1910, but was first composed between 1912 and 1913.



‘The Rite of Spring marked a shift of interest to the world of Russian pre-history, and wit it an important turning-point not only in Stravinsky’s style but also in the evolution of the ideas and images behind his music’

Mikhail Semenovich Druskin (1983) Igor Stravinsky: his life, works and views; CUP Archive; Cambridge

Stravinsky used his own history and that of his country to create unique music that had its own feeling in it. This led him to compose ‘The Rite of Spring’.

When first premiered to the world in Paris it caused one of the most famous Classical Music Riots in history. The rhythmic score shocked the audience who were more accustomed to and the dancing was a lot stranger than the normal ballet. At first the violent dance steps excited the crowd but they soon started booing when they heard a slight discord in the background notes. Not understanding what was happening, opponents to this new music began to shout and cause commotion. Supporters of Stravinsky tried to calm them and explain the music, but this only worsened the situation. A full scale riot broke out in the aisles. The Police restored only limited order.

But it could be argued that Stravinsky’s music was only the catalyst.

‘It is now thought that ‘The Rite of Spring’ riot was a response less to Stravinsky’s music, which could scarcely be heard amid the uproar, then to Nijimky’s choreography, which inverted most of the conventions of ballet’

Kurt Heinzelman (2003) Make it new: the rise of modernism; University of Texas Press; Texas

This affected the modern scene by showing the world that change can evoke great emotion. Today, people in music are continually trying to shock and surprise people with their music, but Stravinsky accomplished to such a degree that it caused a riot. Stravinsky started the notion that when it comes to music, ‘no press is bad press’.