Igor Stravinsky : A Creative Spring Russia and France, 1882 - 1934: v. 1 - Hardcover

Walsh, Stephen

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 022406021X ISBN 13: 9780224060219

Publisher: Jonathan Cape Ltd, 2000

Synopsis

Aimed at the interested layperson, this biography reveals to what extent Igor Stravinsky was a major figure of the 20th century, not just in music, but in cultural and intellectual life in general. This volume covers the period from his birth in 1882 until 1934, the year he settled in France.

About this title

Review

Already noted for a book on his subject's art (The Music of Stravinsky),Stephen Walsh is equally illuminating about Igor Stravinsky's turbulent life. This first instalment of a projected two-volume work, covers the years 1882 to 1934, during which time Walsh shows the composer creating many of his famous works, most notably The Rite of Spring, whose riotous 1913 premiere announced the arrival of a boldly modern classical music. He follows Stravinsky from his native Russia to Switzerland and France, and a 10-week tour of America in 1925. Delving into Russian-language documents seldom consulted by Western scholars, Walsh corrects many factual errors and, more importantly, makes evident the importance of Stravinsky's Russian roots and musical training, which the composer himself often downplayed in later years in order to "cultivate the image of the 'synthetic' international master." He's similarly judicious in evaluating Stravinsky's stormy 20-year association with Serge Diaghilev's Ballets Russes and his seldom-adept juggling of a long-suffering wife and a more sophisticated mistress. Candid about his distaste for some of Stravinsky's behaviour and character traits, Walsh never seems nasty: "It is the richest personalities", he reminds us, "who engage us most fully." --Wendy Smith

Review

"A riveting story... A superb book" (Independent)

"A grand, vividly written, closely researched and sardonically observed life of the composer... A fine biography" (Observer)

"Compelling... Stephen Walsh has, to my mind, got closer to the truth about Stravinsky than anyone else" (Literary Review)

"A meticulously researched and scrupulously detailed biography... Walsh has done a wonderful job... Compelling" (Guardian)

Edition details

• Publisher: Jonathan Cape Ltd
• Publication date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 022406021X
• ISBN 13: 9780224060219
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 720