Select all the statements describing Igor Stravinsky.
Multiple select question.
A Stravinsky was regarded as the world’s greatest composer at the time of his death.
B Stravinsky adopted the twelve-tone system late in his career.
C Stravinsky was reclusive for much of his adult life.
D Stravinsky struggled financially for most of his life.
The correct answer and explanation is :
Correct Answers:
✅ A. Stravinsky was regarded as the world’s greatest composer at the time of his death.
✅ B. Stravinsky adopted the twelve-tone system late in his career.
Explanation (300+ words):
Igor Stravinsky (1882–1971) was one of the most influential and versatile composers of the 20th century. Known for his stylistic innovation, he made groundbreaking contributions to modern music and left a lasting legacy in multiple musical genres.
Option A is correct. At the time of his death in 1971, Stravinsky was widely regarded as one of the greatest composers alive—if not the greatest. His prominence was due to his innovative contributions across different styles and periods of music. From the early 20th-century ballets like The Firebird (1910), Petrushka (1911), and The Rite of Spring (1913), which revolutionized orchestration and rhythm, to his later works that explored neoclassicism and serialism, Stravinsky consistently evolved and influenced generations of composers and musicians. His status was globally recognized, and he had strong relationships with major orchestras, conductors, and institutions.
Option B is also correct. Later in his career, particularly in the 1950s, Stravinsky adopted the twelve-tone system, a compositional technique developed by Arnold Schoenberg. This marked a significant shift from his earlier tonal and neoclassical styles. Stravinsky’s engagement with twelve-tone (or serial) music demonstrated his openness to experimentation and intellectual growth, even in his later years. Works like In Memoriam Dylan Thomas (1954) and Threni (1958) reflect his adoption of this method, albeit with his own unique twist.
Option C is incorrect. Stravinsky was not a reclusive figure. In fact, he was socially active and engaged with artists, performers, and intellectuals throughout his life. He toured extensively and collaborated with leading figures like Sergei Diaghilev, Pablo Picasso, and George Balanchine.
Option D is also incorrect. Although he had periods of financial difficulty, particularly after leaving Russia due to the 1917 Revolution, Stravinsky eventually achieved financial stability and even affluence through his commissions, recordings, and performances.