Explore the life of the man who shocked the music world into the 20th century. Known for rhythm, reinvention, and rebellion, Stravinsky’s daring style made audiences cheer, boo, and never forget his name.
Igor Stravinsky
Igor Stravinsky’s 1913 ballet The Rite of Spring caused a riot at its Paris premiere due to its wild rhythms and bold choreography.
He constantly reinvented his style—moving from Russian folk, to neoclassicism, to atonal serialism throughout his career.
Igor Stravinsky studied law before choosing music, surprising even his own family with his bold career shift.
He collaborated with choreographer Sergei Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes, launching some of the most radical performances of the century.
Stravinsky composed some pieces entirely on paper before ever hearing them played live.
He moved from Russia to Switzerland, then France, and finally settled in the United States—becoming a true global citizen.
His Firebird Suite was his breakout hit and remains one of the most-performed orchestral works today.
Stravinsky befriended artists like Picasso and writers like T.S. Eliot, making him a central figure in modernist culture.
He became a U.S. citizen in 1945 and lived in Hollywood, often mingling with filmmakers and celebrities.
Igor Stravinsky’s music appeared in Walt Disney’s Fantasia, introducing him to an entirely new generation.
Despite his modern sound, he was deeply religious and wrote several sacred works later in life.
He married his cousin and later had a long affair with another woman—both women accepted the situation.
He once joked that too much innovation in music was dangerous, even though he constantly broke musical traditions.
Stravinsky conducted many of his own premieres and was known for his sharp baton technique and demanding standards.
He lived to be 88 and was buried in Venice, near the grave of his early collaborator Diaghilev.
