Igor Stravinsky Timeline
Igor Stravinsky by People
Igor Stravinsky was a renowned Russian composer, born in 1882, who revolutionized the world of music with his innovative compositions. He is best known for his three ballets, "The Firebird," "Petrushka," and "The Rite of Spring," which he composed for the famous Ballets Russes company. Stravinsky's music was groundbreaking, often causing controversy for its bold, unconventional style, like the riot his "The Rite of Spring" caused at its premiere in 1913. Despite the initial shock, his work has had a lasting impact, influencing many composers and musicians who came after him. Stravinsky passed away in 1971, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important figures in 20th-century music.
June 17, 1882
Birth of Igor Stravinsky in Oranienbaum, Russia
This renowned composer was born in a small town near St. Petersburg, which is now known as Lomonosov. His parents were Fyodor Stravinsky, a well-known bass singer at the opera, and Anna, a talented pianist. His musical talent was nurtured from a young age, setting the stage for his future success.
Year 1899
Stravinsky begins law studies at St. Petersburg University
The young composer embarked on his law studies not out of passion, but due to family pressure. His father, a renowned opera singer, wanted him to pursue a more stable career. However, his true love for music eventually led him to abandon his law studies.
Year 1902
Stravinsky begins private music lessons with Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
Stravinsky was introduced to Rimsky-Korsakov, a renowned Russian composer, after the death of his father. These lessons, which lasted for about three years, greatly influenced Stravinsky's early musical style. Rimsky-Korsakov's mentorship played a crucial role in shaping Stravinsky's future as a revolutionary composer.
Year 1906
Stravinsky marries his first wife, Catherine Nossenko
The couple had four children together. Catherine was a supportive partner to the composer until her death in 1939. Their marriage was a significant part of Stravinsky's life and influenced his work.
May 29, 1910
Premiere of Stravinsky's ballet 'The Firebird' in Paris
The ballet, 'The Firebird,' was performed by the Ballets Russes, a famous Russian ballet company. The story of the ballet is based on Russian fairy tales about a magical glowing bird. The performance was a great success and marked the beginning of Stravinsky's international career.
May 29, 1913
Premiere of Stravinsky's ballet 'The Rite of Spring' causes a riot in Paris
The premiere of 'The Rite of Spring' was held at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris. The ballet's avant-garde music and choreography sparked outrage among the audience, leading to a riot. The chaotic event is now seen as a significant moment in the history of modern music and dance.
Year 1920
Stravinsky moves to France and becomes a French citizen
The renowned composer relocated to the European nation where he would spend a significant portion of his life. He adopted French citizenship, embracing the culture and society of his new home. This move had a profound influence on his future compositions.
Year 1939
Stravinsky moves to the United States due to World War II
The composer relocated to escape the turmoil of the impending global conflict. He settled in California, where he continued to create music. His move significantly influenced his future compositions and the development of American music.
March 9, 1940
Stravinsky marries his second wife, Vera de Bosset
Vera de Bosset, a Russian-born dancer, became the second wife of the renowned composer. Their marriage took place in Bedford, Massachusetts. Prior to their marriage, they had been in a relationship for nearly two decades while Stravinsky was still married to his first wife.
Year 1945
Stravinsky becomes a U.S. citizen
The renowned composer decided to adopt American citizenship after living in the United States for several years. This was during a time when the world was recovering from the devastating effects of World War II. His decision was influenced by the opportunities and stability offered by the U.S. during this period.
Year 1951
Stravinsky's opera 'The Rake's Progress' premieres in Venice
The opera, 'The Rake's Progress', was performed for the first time in the famous Teatro La Fenice. The story of the opera is based on a series of paintings by William Hogarth. It was Stravinsky's last major work and is considered one of his best.
Year 1962
Stravinsky's 'Movements for Piano and Orchestra' premieres in New York
This composition, 'Movements for Piano and Orchestra', was performed for the first time in the cultural hub of New York. The piece is a 20th-century classical work, showcasing Stravinsky's innovative use of rhythm and harmony. It is a testament to his ability to blend traditional and modern musical elements.
April 6, 1971
Stravinsky dies in New York City
The renowned composer passed away at the age of 88. His death marked the end of a significant era in classical music. He was buried in Italy, close to the grave of another famous composer, Diaghilev.
Igor Stravinsky was a renowned Russian composer, born in 1882, who revolutionized the world of music with his innovative compositions. He is best known for his three ballets, "The Firebird," "Petrushka," and "The Rite of Spring," which he composed for the famous Ballets Russes company. Stravinsky's music was groundbreaking, often causing controversy for its bold, unconventional style, like the riot his "The Rite of Spring" caused at its premiere in 1913. Despite the initial shock, his work has had a lasting impact, influencing many composers and musicians who came after him. Stravinsky passed away in 1971, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important figures in 20th-century music.
This renowned composer was born in a small town near St. Petersburg, which is now known as Lomonosov. His parents were Fyodor Stravinsky, a well-known bass singer at the opera, and Anna, a talented pianist. His musical talent was nurtured from a young age, setting the stage for his future success.
The young composer embarked on his law studies not out of passion, but due to family pressure. His father, a renowned opera singer, wanted him to pursue a more stable career. However, his true love for music eventually led him to abandon his law studies.
Stravinsky was introduced to Rimsky-Korsakov, a renowned Russian composer, after the death of his father. These lessons, which lasted for about three years, greatly influenced Stravinsky's early musical style. Rimsky-Korsakov's mentorship played a crucial role in shaping Stravinsky's future as a revolutionary composer.
The couple had four children together. Catherine was a supportive partner to the composer until her death in 1939. Their marriage was a significant part of Stravinsky's life and influenced his work.
The ballet, 'The Firebird,' was performed by the Ballets Russes, a famous Russian ballet company. The story of the ballet is based on Russian fairy tales about a magical glowing bird. The performance was a great success and marked the beginning of Stravinsky's international career.
The premiere of 'The Rite of Spring' was held at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris. The ballet's avant-garde music and choreography sparked outrage among the audience, leading to a riot. The chaotic event is now seen as a significant moment in the history of modern music and dance.
The renowned composer relocated to the European nation where he would spend a significant portion of his life. He adopted French citizenship, embracing the culture and society of his new home. This move had a profound influence on his future compositions.
The composer relocated to escape the turmoil of the impending global conflict. He settled in California, where he continued to create music. His move significantly influenced his future compositions and the development of American music.
Vera de Bosset, a Russian-born dancer, became the second wife of the renowned composer. Their marriage took place in Bedford, Massachusetts. Prior to their marriage, they had been in a relationship for nearly two decades while Stravinsky was still married to his first wife.
The renowned composer decided to adopt American citizenship after living in the United States for several years. This was during a time when the world was recovering from the devastating effects of World War II. His decision was influenced by the opportunities and stability offered by the U.S. during this period.
The opera, 'The Rake's Progress', was performed for the first time in the famous Teatro La Fenice. The story of the opera is based on a series of paintings by William Hogarth. It was Stravinsky's last major work and is considered one of his best.
This composition, 'Movements for Piano and Orchestra', was performed for the first time in the cultural hub of New York. The piece is a 20th-century classical work, showcasing Stravinsky's innovative use of rhythm and harmony. It is a testament to his ability to blend traditional and modern musical elements.
The renowned composer passed away at the age of 88. His death marked the end of a significant era in classical music. He was buried in Italy, close to the grave of another famous composer, Diaghilev.