Igor Stravinsky

Date of Birth: June 17, 1882

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: April 6, 1971

Biography

Igor Fyodorovich Stravinsky was a Russian-born composer, pianist, and conductor, whose revolutionary compositions made him one of the most important and influential musical figures of the 20th century. Born on June 17, 1882, in Oranienbaum (now Lomonosov), Russia, Stravinsky was the son of Fyodor Stravinsky, a renowned bass singer at the Mariinsky Theatre, and Anna Stravinsky, a competent pianist. This artistic environment fostered his early interest in music. Stravinsky initially studied law at the University of Saint Petersburg but soon turned to music, studying under the famous composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. His early works, like the ballets “The Firebird” (1910), “Petrushka” (1911), and “The Rite of Spring” (1913), catapulted him to international fame due to their innovative use of rhythm and dissonance. “The Rite of Spring,” in particular, caused a scandal at its premiere in Paris, which has since become legendary. Throughout his career, Stravinsky constantly reinvented his musical style, exploring neoclassicism in works like “Pulcinella” (1920) and “Symphony of Psalms” (1930), and later serialism in compositions such as “Agon” (1957). He emigrated to the United States in 1939, where he continued to compose, conduct, and write until his death. Stravinsky’s contributions to music were recognized with numerous awards and honorary degrees, and his works remain a staple of the concert repertoire.

5 Interesting Facts about Igor Stravinsky

1. Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring” caused a riot at its premiere in Paris in 1913 due to its avant-garde music and choreography.

2. He became a naturalized French citizen in 1934 and later a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1945.

3. Stravinsky collaborated with many leading artists of his time, including Pablo Picasso, who drew his portrait.

4. He was awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society Gold Medal in 1954.

5. Stravinsky’s works often incorporated elements of Russian folk music, which he blended with modernist techniques.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Igor Stravinsky

1. “To listen is an effort, and just to hear is no merit. A duck hears also.”

2. “I haven’t understood a bar of music in my life, but I have felt it.”

3. “Lesser artists borrow, great artists steal.”

4. “The more constraints one imposes, the more one frees oneself. And the arbitrariness of the constraint serves only to obtain precision of execution.”

5. “Music is, by its very nature, essentially powerless to express anything at all.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While exact figures from his time are not readily available, Igor Stravinsky’s highest net worth is estimated to have been around $5 million, a significant sum for a classical composer of his era.

Children

Igor Stravinsky had four children: 1. Fyodor Stravinsky (1907–1982) 2. Ludmila Stravinsky (1908–1938) 3. Soulima Stravinsky (1910–1994), who became a composer and pianist. 4. Maria Milena Stravinsky (1913–1988)