Igor Stravinsky | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : April 09, 2025

Who is Igor Stravinsky?

Igor Stravinsky was a prominent Russian composer born on June 17, 1882, in Oranienbaum, Russia. Renowned for his avant-garde compositions, Stravinsky gained significant recognition through his work with the Ballets Russes, particularly for his groundbreaking piece, The Rite of Spring, which premiered in 1913 and incited a legendary riot due to its radical departure from traditional musical forms. His early education in music was fostered under the tutelage of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov after his family encouraged him to pursue law initially. Stravinsky's unique blend of folk influences and innovative orchestration laid the foundation for his innovative compositions.

Stravinsky's career spanned several phases, marked by significant relocations due to global events. The outbreak of World War I forced him to leave Russia for Switzerland, where he produced influential works such as Renard and Les Noces, integrating elements of Russian folklore and jazz. His move to France in 1920 saw the creation of various notable pieces, including the opera Oedipus Rex and the ballet Apollon Musagète. Later relocating to the United States in 1939, Stravinsky settled in Los Angeles, becoming a U.S. citizen in 1945. Throughout his life, he produced over 100 works, leaving an indelible mark on 20th-century music before passing away on April 6, 1971, in New York City.

Early Life and Education

Igor Fyodorovich Stravinsky was born on June 17, 1882, in the coastal town of Oranienbaum, Russia. He was raised in a musical family; his father, Fyodor Stravinsky, was a respected bass singer, while his mother, Anna, was a talented pianist. Despite his parents' aspirations for him to pursue a more traditional career path in law, Stravinsky's early exposure to music sparked a passion that would shape his future. After completing secondary school, he enrolled at the University of Saint Petersburg to study law, but his life took a significant turn when he befriended Vladimir Rimsky-Korsakov, son of the renowned composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.

With the passing of his father in 1902, Stravinsky was afforded the freedom to pursue music seriously. He became a pupil of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, one of Russia's most noteworthy composers, whose teachings would greatly influence Stravinsky's compositional style. This crucial period marked the beginning of his transformation as he absorbed the rich musical traditions of Russia. Stravinsky's education under Rimsky-Korsakov laid the foundation for his creative exploration, leading to innovative compositions that would later revolutionize the landscape of modern music. His journey from law student to composer was a testament to his innate talent and passion for music, ultimately propelling him toward international acclaim.

Marriage and Early Work in Ballet

Igor Stravinsky's foray into the world of ballet began with a significant relationship that would shape his career. In 1906, he married Catherine Nossenko, and they would go on to have four children together. This family life provided a backdrop to his burgeoning musical career. Stravinsky's major breakthrough came in 1909 when Sergei Diaghilev, the visionary founder of the Ballets Russes, invited him to orchestrate works for the ballet Les Sylphides. This collaboration marked the onset of Stravinsky's association with Diaghilev, catalyzing his ascent into the musical limelight.

The real turning point for Stravinsky arrived with the commission for The Firebird, which premiered in Paris in June 1910. This ballet, created in partnership with choreographer Michel Fokine, captivated audiences and catapulted him to fame. Following closely was the success of Petrouchka in 1911 and The Rite of Spring in 1913. The latter, infamous for inciting a riot during its premiere, ultimately established Stravinsky as a revolutionary composer. His innovative approach to rhythm and orchestration transformed the landscape of ballet music, laying the groundwork for modern classical compositions and earning him a permanent place in musical history.

Success with The Firebird and The Rite of Spring

Igor Stravinsky emerged as a revolutionary force in music with his compositions for the Ballets Russes, and his most celebrated works, The Firebird and The Rite of Spring, played pivotal roles in establishing his legacy. Premiering in 1910, The Firebird showcased Stravinsky's unique ability to blend traditional Russian folk melodies with modern orchestral techniques. The ballet's enchanting story and colorful orchestration captured the imagination of audiences in Paris, catapulting Stravinsky into the limelight and setting the stage for his future innovations.

His subsequent composition, The Rite of Spring, premiered in 1913 and is often regarded as one of the most important works in 20th-century music. The ballet's audacious rhythms and dissonant harmonies sparked a famously uproarious reaction from its audience, as the performance itself stirred up a riot. Despite the initial backlash, The Rite of Spring has since been recognized for its groundbreaking influence on contemporary music, redefining the parameters of rhythm and tonality. Together, these works not only established Stravinsky as a household name but also paved the way for modernist movements in music, forever changing how audiences and composers perceive art.

Life in Switzerland and France

Igor Stravinsky's life in Switzerland was marked by the profound impact of his nostalgia for Russia, which heavily influenced his compositions during this period. After fleeing the turmoil of World War I, he settled in the serene surroundings of Switzerland with his family. Here, he immersed himself in the rich tapestry of Russian folklore, allowing it to inspire his music. Stravinsky produced several key works, notably "Renard," which he composed from 1915 to 1916, and "Les Noces," begun in 1914 but completed only in 1923. His exploration of jazz styles also emerged during this time, reflecting his adaptation to the Western music landscape while honoring his Russian roots.

In 1920, Stravinsky relocated to France, where he enjoyed two decades of prolific creativity. This period saw the emergence of diverse and innovative works, including the comic opera "Mavra" in 1922 and the dramatic "Oedipus Rex" in 1927, showcasing his evolving compositional style. Stravinsky reduced barriers in classical music by incorporating elements from various genres, including ballet, opera, and music theater. Works such as the "white" ballet "Apollon Musagète" in 1928 exemplified his flair for rhythm and orchestration, solidifying his reputation as a leading composer of the 20th century. His time in France not only proved artistically fruitful but also facilitated enduring collaborations with fellow artists and dancers, further cementing his legacy in the world of performing arts.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

Igor Stravinsky married Catherine Nossenko in 1906, forming a partnership that would span over three decades. They welcomed four children into their family: two daughters, one named Marie, and two sons, Theodore and Soulima. Stravinsky embraced his role as a father, fostering a nurturing environment that encouraged his children to pursue their own creative endeavors. However, his family life was marked by sorrow when he faced the devastating loss of his wife and one of their daughters to tuberculosis. These tragedies deeply affected him and influenced his artistic output during that period.

Following the deaths of Catherine and their daughter, Stravinsky relocated to the United States in 1939. It was here that he married Vera de Bossett in 1940, a relationship that brought him companionship and support in his later years. Vera, an artist and designer, remained an influential figure in his life, contributing to both his personal and professional world. Stravinsky's later works often reflected a maturity and intensity shaped by these pivotal experiences in his personal life, demonstrating how his familial connections profoundly influenced his musical journey and legacy.

Net Worth and Earning: Career Earnings

Igor Stravinsky, one of the most influential composers of the 20th century, gained renown for his innovative and groundbreaking works, which revolutionized the landscape of classical music. With over 100 compositions to his credit—including iconic ballets like The Firebird, The Rite of Spring, and Petrushka—his contributions resonate throughout the music world. Stravinsky's distinct style evolved from rich Russian folklore to embrace jazz influences, shaped by significant turns in his personal life, including the turbulence of World War I and the loss of loved ones. His unique approach to rhythm and harmony not only captivated audiences but also earned him substantial financial success throughout his career.

During his lifetime, Stravinsky's earnings were significantly bolstered by his partnerships with prominent ballet companies, such as the Ballets Russes, which facilitated the debut of his celebrated works. His move to the United States further expanded his opportunities, where he became a celebrated lecturer and continued to produce influential music that garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success. Stravinsky's transition from Europe to America not only marked a geographical shift but also reflected an evolution in his artistic expression, leading to works like Symphony in C. In recognition of his legendary contributions, his net worth at the time of his passing in 1971 was substantial, a testament to his lasting impact on the world of music.