Igor Stravinsky Quotes

Powerful Igor Stravinsky for Daily Growth

About Igor Stravinsky

Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971), born in Oranienbaum, Russia, was a pivotal figure in the development of modern Western music. His innovative compositions bridged the gap between traditional and avant-garde music, earning him international acclaim. Stravinsky's musical journey began at an early age under the tutelage of his father, a bassoonist in the St. Petersburg Imperial Orchestra. He continued his studies at the St. Petersburg Conservatory and later in Berlin and Paris. His early works, such as "Fireworks" (1883) and "The Firebird" (1910), showcased his unique orchestration techniques and narrative storytelling. In 1913, Stravinsky unveiled his most revolutionary work, "The Rite of Spring," at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris. This ballet score, with its dissonant melodies and complex rhythms, sparked a riot among the audience and marked a significant turning point in modern music. During World War I, Stravinsky lived in Switzerland before settling in France permanently in 1920. His works during this period, including "Pulcinella" (1920) and "L'histoire du soldat" (1918), showcased his interest in neoclassicism, a style characterized by simplicity and reference to classical music forms. In 1936, Stravinsky moved to the United States, where he continued to compose groundbreaking works such as "Oedipus Rex" (1936) and "The Canteburys" (1940). His later works, like "Threni" (1958) and "Requiem Canticles" (1966), reflect a spiritual and introspective phase in his life. Stravinsky's influence on modern music is immeasurable. His unique harmonies, complex rhythms, and innovative techniques have shaped the face of Western classical music. Despite his sometimes controversial works, Stravinsky remains one of the most significant composers of the 20th century.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The more constraints one imposes, the more one frees oneself of the chains that shackle the spirit."

Igor Stravinsky's quote suggests that imposing limitations or constraints can paradoxically stimulate creativity and freedom. By confining oneself within specific rules, guidelines, or boundaries, artists and thinkers can break free from the restrictive thoughts and expectations that might otherwise inhibit their originality and authentic expression. Instead of feeling constricted, they may find inspiration in the challenge to create something fresh and innovative within the imposed parameters. This insight highlights how constraints can serve as a catalyst for unleashing creative potential, thus leading to greater artistic freedom.

"Don't ask me where I get my ideas. I'm still trying to find out myself."

This quote by Igor Stravinsky suggests that he, like many creative individuals, often experiences a mysterious and spontaneous process in the genesis of his artistic ideas. He acknowledges that understanding the source or origin of these ideas is an ongoing quest for him, highlighting the complex and intricate nature of creativity. It implies a sense of wonder, curiosity, and humility towards one's own creative process.

"A composer is not a machine, or, if he were, I would like him to be an automatic piano."

This quote by Igor Stravinsky implies that a composer should not be viewed as a mechanical entity producing music without creativity or emotion. Rather, he wishes for composers to have the freedom and individuality of an "automatic piano," which is capable of creating unique sounds on its own, but still requires human intervention to function optimally. In essence, Stravinsky expresses his belief that while composition should follow certain rules and principles, it should not be devoid of personal expression or spontaneity.

"Music is the rhythm of time, its temperament the temperament of our age."

This quote by Igor Stravinsky implies that music, like time itself, has a rhythmic flow - it moves, changes, and progresses in a way that mirrors the passage of time. The "temperament" of music, in this context, refers to its emotional character or mood, which can reflect the general spirit or state of a particular era or age. Thus, Stravinsky suggests that music is not just an art form, but also a mirror of societal temperament and a powerful tool for expressing the essence of our times.

"I have always believed that it was better to be a failure at something you love than to be a success at something you don't."

This quote emphasizes prioritizing passion over success in things one loves. Stravinsky suggests that though being unsuccessful at something one is passionate about can be disappointing, it's still worthwhile because true fulfillment comes from pursuing what we love, rather than just achieving success in something indifferent or disliked. It highlights the importance of authenticity and following our passions over mere worldly accomplishments.

To listen is an effort, and just to hear is no merit. A duck hears also.

- Igor Stravinsky

Effort, Merit, Also, Duck

I have learned throughout my life as a composer chiefly through my mistakes and pursuits of false assumptions, not by my exposure to founts of wisdom and knowledge.

- Igor Stravinsky

My Life, Through, Learned, Chiefly

A plague on eminence! I hardly dare cross the street anymore without a convoy, and I am stared at wherever I go like an idiot member of a royal family or an animal in a zoo; and zoo animals have been known to die from stares.

- Igor Stravinsky

Die, Been, Plague, Royal Family

I was born out of due time in the sense that by temperament and talent I should have been more suited for the life of a small Bach, living in anonymity and composing regularly for an established service and for God.

- Igor Stravinsky

Small, Been, Established, Suited

The more constraints one imposes, the more one frees one's self. And the arbitrariness of the constraint serves only to obtain precision of execution.

- Igor Stravinsky

Execution, More, Obtain, Constraint

The Church knew what the psalmist knew: Music praises God. Music is well or better able to praise him than the building of the church and all its decoration; it is the Church's greatest ornament.

- Igor Stravinsky

Church, Him, Knew, Decoration

I haven't understood a bar of music in my life, but I have felt it.

- Igor Stravinsky

Music, My Life, Bar, Understood

My music is best understood by children and animals.

- Igor Stravinsky

Music, Children, Best, Understood

I am an inventor of music.

- Igor Stravinsky

Music, I Am, Am, Inventor

Conductors' careers are made for the most part with 'Romantic' music. 'Classic' music eliminates the conductor; we do not remember him in it.

- Igor Stravinsky

Conductor, Made, Part, Conductors

Lesser artists borrow, great artists steal.

- Igor Stravinsky

Art, Artists, Steal, Lesser

Music is given to us with the sole purpose of establishing an order in things, including, and particularly, the coordination between man and time.

- Igor Stravinsky

Including, Sole, Given, Order

In order to create there must be a dynamic force, and what force is more potent than love?

- Igor Stravinsky

Love, More, Potent, Order

I know that the twelve notes in each octave and the variety of rhythm offer me opportunities that all of human genius will never exhaust.

- Igor Stravinsky

Will, Rhythm, Notes, Exhaust

The principle of the endless melody is the perpetual becoming of a music that never had any reason for starting, any more than it has any reason for ending.

- Igor Stravinsky

Reason, Becoming, Principle, Starting

Why is it that whenever I hear a piece of music I don't like, it's always by Villa-Lobos?

- Igor Stravinsky

Music, Always, Whenever, Hear

A good composer does not imitate; he steals.

- Igor Stravinsky

Good, Composer, Does, Steals

Money may kindle, but it cannot by itself, and for very long, burn.

- Igor Stravinsky

Burn, Very, Itself, Kindle

Sins cannot be undone, only forgiven.

- Igor Stravinsky

Forgiveness, Only, Forgiven, Undone

Harpists spend 90 percent of their lives tuning their harps and 10 percent playing out of tune.

- Igor Stravinsky

Tuning, Lives, Spend, Harp

I am in the present. I cannot know what tomorrow will bring forth. I can know only what the truth is for me today. That is what I am called upon to serve, and I serve it in all lucidity.

- Igor Stravinsky

Tomorrow, Will, Bring, Present

The trouble with music appreciation in general is that people are taught to have too much respect for music they should be taught to love it instead.

- Igor Stravinsky

Love, Appreciation, Too Much, To Love

What gives the artist real prestige is his imitators.

- Igor Stravinsky

Artist, Real, His, Imitators

The real composer thinks about his work the whole time; he is not always conscious of this, but he is aware of it later when he suddenly knows what he will do.

- Igor Stravinsky

Will, Always, Composer, Conscious

Just as appetite comes by eating, so work brings inspiration, if inspiration is not discernible at the beginning.

- Igor Stravinsky

Work, Beginning, Brings, Appetite

Is it not by love alone that we succeed in penetrating to the very essence of being?

- Igor Stravinsky

Love, Alone, Very, Penetrating

Too many pieces of music finish too long after the end.

- Igor Stravinsky

Music, Pieces, Too, Finish

Film music should have the same relationship to the film drama that somebody's piano playing in my living room has on the book I am reading.

- Igor Stravinsky

Book, Living, Film Music, Piano

What force is more potent than love?

- Igor Stravinsky

Love, More, Potent, Force

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