June’s composer of the month is Igor Stravinsky (EE-gor strah-VIN-ski).
Born: June 17, 1882
Died: April 6, 1971
Five facts:
• Walt Disney heard Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring in a meeting room at a Disney Studio in 1938 (Disney exclaimed, "This is marvelous! It would be perfect for prehistoric animals.") and famously incorporated a segment of the work in his Fantasia.
• Stravinsky has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
• Stravinsky was once romantically linked to French fashion designer Coco Chanel (the relationship was chronicled in a 2009 film).
• There is an urban legend that Stravinsky was arrested in 1940 for adding a new chord to an arrangement to the Star-Spangled Banner — fueled in part by a mug shot of the composer from the same year. However, the 'mug shot' has since been identified as being a photo for a passport application, and no such arrest took place.
• One of classical music's most famous scandals surrounds the 1913 Paris premiere of Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring. While some have long believed the story of mass brawling and attacks on the dancers, evidence seems to indicate that the scene was more of a "rowdy debate."
Three important works:
• The Firebird (1910)
• Petrushka (1911)
• The Rite of Spring (1913)
Audio Backpack playlist: Igor Stravinsky
Love the music?
Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.
Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.
YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.
