Igor Stravinsky (1882–1971) was a Russian-born composer, conductor, and pianist whose groundbreaking contributions to 20th-century music fundamentally reshaped the classical tradition. Born in Oranienbaum (now Lomonosov), near Saint Petersburg, Stravinsky was the son of a prominent opera singer and initially studied law before turning seriously to music under the mentorship of composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. He first gained international acclaim with his early ballets for Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes—The Firebird (1910), Petrushka (1911), and the explosive The Rite of Spring (1913), whose riotous Paris premiere became a cultural milestone for its raw rhythmic power and harmonic daring.

Following the political upheaval of the Russian Revolution, Stravinsky lived in Switzerland and later France, where he entered his so-called “neoclassical” period, embracing smaller ensembles, clear forms, and references to past styles with works like Pulcinella (1920), Symphony of Psalms (1930), and The Rake’s Progress (1951). During this time, he established himself not only as a composer but also as a conductor and pianist, frequently touring to present his own works. His music from this era demonstrated a sharp contrast to Romantic excess, often combining wit, restraint, and a cool objectivity.

After emigrating to the United States in 1939, Stravinsky became an American citizen and eventually settled in Los Angeles, where he entered his final compositional phase. Deeply influenced by the music of Anton Webern and the techniques of serialism, Stravinsky adopted twelve-tone methods in works such as Agon (1957) and Threni (1958), while still maintaining a personal voice. Until his death in 1971, Stravinsky remained a towering figure in modern music—admired for his restless innovation, stylistic versatility, and lasting impact on composers across genres.