Igor Stravinsky

Igor Stravinsky was born in Russia, in 1882 and lived until 1971. Even though he showed promise at a young age of becoming a musical prodigy, his parents wanted him to go into the field of law. After his father died in 1902, he gave up law for good and his first full length ballet was commissioned in 1909. He is known for his strange tempos and using unusually large orchestras to perform his works.

• Boosey discusses his biography, works and gives a time line of his life and career.
• Time lists him as one of the century’s 100 most influential people.
• Pianola works by Stravinsky, an influential instrument in his work.
• Keeping Score offers a video, the score and information about the premier of his “The Rite of Spring”.
• Excerpts from concerts of his music are free on this site.
• Radiom offers an actual sound recording of Stravisnky at one of his rehearsals.
• The biography found here is very thorough and his recordings are also offered for sale.
• His works are biographied here and there is also a timeline and complete list of his works.
• BrainyQuote offers more than a dozen of this man’s wise words.
• CCO ’s site lists his biography and sound files of his compositions.
• You Tube has a two minute clip of Stravisnky conducting the Firebird.
• Chester Novello lists his works and divides them into the number of musicians required to play it.
• Piano Paradise offers a very detailed biography. Sheet music can be purchased there and audio files can be heard.
• Shepherd seeks to understand the meaning behind “The Rite of Spring”.
• NPR discusses the jagged and alien sound of “The Rite of Spring”.
• Naxos offers a short biography, pictures and the option to download each of his albums.
• Classical discusses the influence his work has had on contemporary music.
• Pictures found here include one sketched by his good friend, Pablo Picasso.
• 8notes offers pictures of Stravinsky as well as sheet music for purchase and free.
• Last has three dozen pictures of this composer and many others.