Questions and Answers
Igor Stravinsky composed all of the important what of the 20th century?
What was Stravinsky especially known for writing?
Ballet music for the Ballets Russes (Russian Ballet)
What famous impresario recognized Stravinsky's talent?
Sergei Diaghilev
What other composers and artists did Diaghilev also hire to collaborate with the Ballets Russes?
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What was Stravinsky's early compositional period like?
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What was Stravinsky's middle compositional period like (1920-1950)?
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What was Stravinsky's late compositional period like (1950)?
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What was Rite of Spring an example of?
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What is the 'primitive' subject matter in Rite of Spring conveyed by?
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What is Rite of Spring scored for?
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What is Neoclassicism?
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What does Neoclassicism have emphasis on?
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Neoclassicism is typically for smaller ensembles & non-programmatic music.
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Study Notes
Igor Stravinsky Overview
- Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971) significantly contributed to multiple musical "isms" of the 20th century.
- Gained fame primarily through ballet compositions for the Ballets Russes (Russian Ballet).
Key Collaborators and Influences
- Stravinsky was discovered by impresario Sergei Diaghilev, founder of the Ballets Russes.
- Diaghilev collaborated with prominent composers like Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel, as well as artists such as Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse.
Compositional Periods
- Early period: Created ballet scores for large orchestras, highlighted by "Rite of Spring" composed in 1913.
- Middle period (1920-1950): Shifted to Neoclassicism, writing for smaller ensembles, drawing inspiration from Baroque and Classical styles.
- Late period (post-1950): Adopted 12-tone music (Serialism), a technique pioneered by Arnold Schoenberg.
Rite of Spring Characteristics
- "Rite of Spring" exemplifies Primitivism in music.
- The work's primitive themes are expressed through:
- Harsh dissonance
- Irregular and shifting meters
- Unexpected rhythmic patterns
- Scored for a large orchestra with a notable focus on winds and percussion.
Neoclassicism Defined
- Neoclassicism serves as a reaction against the perceived excesses of Romanticism and Impressionism.
- It packages contemporary musical ideas within classical forms and styles.
- Characteristics include:
- Emphasis on clarity, emotional restraint, and simplicity of texture.
- Typically composed for smaller ensembles and prioritizes non-programmatic (absolute) music.
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Description
Test your knowledge about the influential composer Igor Stravinsky and his contributions to neoclassicism. This quiz covers important aspects of his life, notable works, and his role in the Ballets Russes. Perfect for music students and enthusiasts alike!
