Igor Stravinsky, one of the most influential composers of the 20th century, was a figure who revolutionized musical composition. His innovative approach to musical expression had a profound impact on the modernist era of music.
Early Years: 1882-1902
Born on June 17, 1882, in Oranienbaum, Russia, Igor Stravinsky was exposed to music at a very young age. His parents, Fyodor Stravinsky, a renowned operatic bass, and Anna, a talented pianist, cultivated a musically rich environment at home. Stravinsky began piano lessons at the tender age of nine, showing early signs of his affinity for music.
Despite his musical inclination, Stravinsky’s parents encouraged him to pursue law, leading him to enrol at St. Petersburg University. However, his passion for music remained undeterred. During his university years, Stravinsky presented some of his early compositions to celebrated composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, who was highly impressed and agreed to tutor him privately. This valuable mentorship significantly influenced Stravinsky’s musical development.
The Russian Period: 1902-1914
Stravinsky’s early creative phase, often referred to as the “Russian Period,” was characterized by a rich immersion in Russian folklore and traditional music. His first significant work was “The Firebird,” a ballet commissioned by the Ballet Russes’ director, Serge Diaghilev. The ballet premiered in 1910 at the Paris Opera, catapulting Stravinsky to fame overnight.
“The Firebird” was soon followed by another ballet, “Petrushka,” which further affirmed Stravinsky’s rising stardom. However, the pinnacle of Stravinsky’s Russian period was undeniably “The Rite of Spring.” Premiered in 1913, the ballet’s avant-garde style and radical rhythmic structures sparked a near-riot at its first performance. Despite initial controversy, “The Rite of Spring” soon became recognized as a seminal work of the 20th century, marking a major turning point in Stravinsky’s career.
The Swiss Period: 1914-1920
The outbreak of World War I forced Stravinsky to take refuge in Switzerland, a country he was already familiar with. The war years were a time of transition for Stravinsky, both creatively and personally. Financially challenged due to the political upheaval in Russia, Stravinsky focused on composing works that required limited resources.
During this time, he composed significant works like “The Fox” and “Soldier’s Story,” both deeply influenced by Russian folk tales. However, his most important work from this period was “The Wedding,” a ballet-cantata that combined Russian village wedding songs with Stravinsky’s unmistakable flair for modernist orchestration.
The French Period: 1920-1939
After the war, Stravinsky moved to France, marking the beginning of his “neoclassical” period. His works during this time displayed a newfound interest in music from the 17th and 18th centuries. One of the most significant works from this period was “Pulcinella,” a ballet commissioned by Diaghilev, inspired by the music of Pergolesi.
During this period, Stravinsky also experienced a religious conversion, reflected in works like “Oedipus Rex,” an opera-oratorio with a Latin libretto, and “Symphony of Psalms,” a biblical-text based composition. Despite the global turmoil due to World War II, Stravinsky continued to create music, and even became a French citizen in 1934.
The American Period: 1939-1971
In 1939, Stravinsky moved to the United States, beginning the final and longest phase of his career. Stravinsky’s American period was characterized by a shift towards serialism, a compositional method developed by Viennese composers Arnold Schoenberg, Alban Berg, and Anton von Webern. Stravinsky’s exploration of serial techniques marked a significant departure from his previous neoclassical style.
Despite his declining health, Stravinsky continued to compose until late in his life. His last major work was “Requiem Canticles,” a deeply moving adaptation of modern serial techniques to a personal imaginative vision rooted in his Russian past.
Stravinsky passed away on April 6, 1971, in New York. His funeral was held in Venice, and he was laid to rest on the island of San Michele, close to his long-time friend, Sergei Diaghilev.
Igor Stravinsky’s journey from a young Russian composer to an internationally acclaimed modernist icon is truly remarkable. His pioneering contributions to music, characterized by his innovative use of rhythm, harmony, and orchestration, have left an indelible impact on the world of classical music. His legacy continues to inspire musicians and artists worldwide, proving that Stravinsky’s music transcends time, resonating with audiences even today.