Early Life
Where was Stravinsky born?
Oranienbaum, Russia
What was the name of the ballet that turned Stravinsky into a household name?
The Firebird
Who are the key figures of primivitism?
How many orchestra suites did Stravinksy compose for The Firebird?
Three orchestra suites.
What lessons did Stravinsky receive as a boy?
Piano and music theory
Where did Stravinsky settle after fleeing Russia?
Switzerland
Which composers are linked to the origins of nationalism?
Weber, Wagner, Chopin and Verdi
How many movements does the ballet consist of?
Six movements.
What did he pursue in university and why?
Law, because his parents didn't want him to follow in their footsteps.
What was the initial reaction to The Rite of Spring?
It incited a riot upon its premiere.
What did the composers of primitivism sought to achieve with their compositions?
To create a sense of primal energy and establish connection to ancient musical roots.
What does the first movement use to establish mystery?
Low strings and woodwinds.
Who did he marry and how many children did they have?
He married Catherine Nossenko, and had four children.
How did Stravinsky's compositions contrast with other compositions at the time?
His work drew inspiration from Russian folklore, but other compositions at the time exhibited a jazz influence.
List the key characteristics of primitivist compositions.
Rhythmic complexity, tonal simplification, emphasis on percussion, and raw emotional expression.
What is the muscial structure of The Firebird?
It does not have a specific musical structure.
How was Stravinsky allowed to pursue his artistic career?
He was granted the freedom to do so following the death of his father in 1902.
Why was Stravinsky nearly arrested for in 1944?
Rearranging the national anthem during a performance in Boston.
Name five countries/regions commonly linked to musical nationalism.
Any five of the following: Russia, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Romania, Scandinavia, Spain, United Kingdom, Latin America and the United States.
What is unique about this ballet in the way Stravinsky composed it?