Igor Stravinsky
The first comprehensive English biography to appear since the composer's death.
2008 printing
Michael Oliver
- The first comprehensive biography for the general listener to appear in English since the composer's death
- Devotes particular attention to the composer's childhood in pre-revolutionary Russia, which was a formative influence
- Charts his discovery by Diaghilev, his collaborations with choreographers, dancers, painters and designers as well as with writers
- Concentrates on Stravinsky's creativity, describing how his musical mind worked and relating this to his complex and fascinating personality
Paperback
156 x 220 mm, 6 1/8 x 8 5/8 in
240 pp
80 black and white illustrations
ISBN 9780714847771
0714847771
Igor Stravinsky (1882–1971) is widely regarded as the twentieth century's most versatile and adventurous composer. He began his dazzling career in association with Diaghilev's Ballets Russes. However, three years after his first brilliant success with The Firebird in 1913 he provoked the most riotous first night of the century with The Rite of Spring. Subsequently, his music underwent many stylistic changes as both public and private pressures drove him from Russia to Switzerland, France and finally Hollywood.
Michael Oliver, who sadly died in 2002, was an acclaimed writer and broadcaster, having compiled numerous programmes for BBC Radio 3 and written regularly for Gramophone and other magazines for over 20 years. He was also the author of Benjamin Britten in the 20th-Century Composers series.
'A near-ideal introduction to the composer.'
(Gramophone)
'one’s only regret about [Michael Oliver’s] two books is that they are not longer.' (Classic CD)
'As a series, Phaidon's
20th Century Composers has brought remarkable variety and a welter of information, both necessary and delightfully trivial. Intended both for the general reader and for the more enthusiatically musical...'
(The Scotsman)