Profile of the Day: Igor Stravinsky

On this day in 1882, Russian composer Igor Stravinsky was born. Today Stravinsky is remembered as one of the most important and influential composers of the 20th century.

Image: Igor Stravinsky / Library of Congress

Stravinsky was born on June 17, 1882 in Oranienbaum, St. Petersburg, Russia. He was the son of Fyodor Ignatievich Stravinsky, a notable bass singer, and Anna Kholodovskaa, an accomplished pianist. From a young age, Stravinsky studied the piano and music theory, however, despite his family’s musical background, Stravinsky’s parents expected him to study law at the University of Saint Petersburg. While in school, Stravinsky became acquainted with Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, one of the leading Russian composers of the time. He soon became a student of Rimsky-Korsakov and changed the direction of his career in the pursuit of music.

Over the course of his career, Stravinsky composed over 100 pieces. Some of his most famous and influential ballets include The Firebird, Petrushka, and The Rite of Spring.

Stravinsky died on April 6, 1971 at the age of 88.

Explore Igor Stravinsky’s family tree and share how you’re related to the Russian composer.

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