1. Igor Stravinsky

2. Early Life Born in Russia, raised in St. Petersburg His family wanted him to study law, so despite his love for music, he entered law school He was told at a young age that he had no musical ability and very little aesthetic skill. He began to study with Nikolai Rimsky- Korsakov (one of the most influential Russian composers) and took private lessons instead of attending the Russian Conservatoire.

3. July 17, 1882-April 6, 1971 International fame was achieved through 3 ballets: The Firebird (L’Oiseau de feu) (1910) Petrushka (1911) The Rite of Spring (Le Sacre du Printemps) (1913)

4. The Rite of Spring Why it was influential: 1. It pushed musical boundaries with different rhythms and stresses on odd musical beats 2. He experiments with different tonalities, straying from the Classical and Romantic realms, and introduces dissonance. 3. The theme is not remotely “romantic”… It is a sacrificial dance, where the main ballerina dances herself to death.

5. The Firebird Designed after the Russian folk tale of the Firebird who is both a blessing and a curse to its captors When Prince Ivan wanders into the realm of Kashchei the Immortal, and a descending chromatic line can be heard (in the strings) when the magical objects appear Ivan falls in love with 1 of 13 princesses, fights with Kashchei, and the firebird tells Ivan how to destroy him.

6. Time in France In July of 1914, he made it across the Russian border before the national border closed, and did not return to Russia until 1962. He stayed with Coco Chanel in her mansion home in Paris, and she donated, anonymously, for “The Rite of Spring” to be commissioned in Paris. “Pucinella” premiered in 1920, with costumes designed by Pablo Picasso.

7. Becoming an American Citizen Began teaching at Harvard just as World War II broke out Settled in West Holly and became a citizen in 1945. Became friends with many prominent writers, Aldous Huxley among them. Conducted concerts at the Los Angeles Philharmonic Became interested in Serial Music, based on mathematics, designed by musician Arnold Schoenberg.

8. Honors He was given the Sonning Award in Denmark, considered their highest music honor. Stravinsky was invited to conduct a series of concerts in Leningrad, so he Returned to Russia in 1962 for a short while. He was given a Grammy Award for Lifetime Achievement in music after his death.