Many Composers Kept Diaries During Their Lives. Choose A Com ✓ Solved

Many composers kept diaries during their lives. Choose a compose

Many composers kept diaries during their lives. Choose a composer from the twentieth (or twenty-first) century and an important event from that composer's life. Consider how this event relates to the music the composer wrote. Write a diary entry related to that event in 1st person voice, as if the composer wrote it. Provide a link to a sound file or YouTube video of the composer’s music, to help classmates become more familiar with this individual’s work. In the subject line for your post, include the composer’s name. List any websites or other sources you used to write your post at the bottom of the post.

What is your personal reaction/response to this composer and/or the music we have studied so far in class? How does learning about music apply to your life and/or past experiences?

Paper For Above Instructions

For this assignment, I have chosen the influential composer Igor Stravinsky, a pivotal figure in 20th-century music. One significant event in Stravinsky's life was the premiere of his ballet "The Rite of Spring" (Le Sacre du Printemps) in 1913. This event is an essential milestone in music history, not merely for its revolutionary approach to rhythm and dissonance but also for how it marked a cultural explosion in the artistic landscape of Europe.

In my diary entry, I will express Stravinsky's thoughts on this groundbreaking event, capturing the tumultuous atmosphere surrounding the premiere and its aftermath.

Diary Entry by Igor Stravinsky

May 29, 1913

Today, as I walked off the stage after the premiere of "The Rite of Spring," my heart raced. My pulse echoed the chaotic rhythms that I laid bare before the audience. It was as if I had just invaded a sacred space reserved for tradition, for the beauty that everyone had come to expect from ballet. This creation, born from my deep exploration of the primal instincts of humanity and the forces of nature, was meant to shock, to awaken, and indeed, it did. I could still hear the uproar in the audience, the gasps, the shouts of anger, and the applause interlaced with jeers.

The theatre was alive with unrest; the air thick with tension. I could feel the energy emanating from the audience like a tangible force, a reaction that I knew was inevitable. But this was what I aimed for – to lay bare the raw horror and beauty of the ancient pagan rite, to depict the dance of life and death through music. The strings screamed while the bassoons moaned; a symphony of conflicting emotions, resonating deeply within my spirit. This work isn't just music; it's an invocation of primal forces, a celebration of rebirth overshadowed by the inevitability of sacrifice.

The scandal that followed proved to me that the world is not yet ready for such a raucous narrative. Despite the boos and catcalls, I found solace in the fact that even amidst such chaos, there were those captivated, perhaps experiencing a glimpse of what I envisioned. As I stepped into the daylight after the performance, I contemplated the future. Will "The Rite of Spring" be remembered for its unprecedented originality? Or will it languish in obscurity due to the discomfort it has stirred?

For me, this experience signifies a concerted effort to push boundaries – not just of music, but of the very fabric of societal expectations. Moreover, through this work, I aim to bridge the gap between classical and modern, to transform the perception of what music can be. I am aware that my language of rhythm and dissonance is new to many, perhaps too new, but I am invigorated by the turmoil it creates.

Tomorrow, I will return to compose anew, armed with the energy of this evening's tumultuous reception. "The Rite" is just the beginning.

To help my classmates familiarize themselves more with my music, I am including a link to the full performance of "The Rite of Spring" on YouTube: The Rite of Spring - Igor Stravinsky.

Personal Reaction to Igor Stravinsky and his Music

Learning about Igor Stravinsky and his profound contributions to the world of music has been a transformative experience for me. Stravinsky's boldness in tackling themes that challenge societal norms strikes a chord within me, inspiring me to embrace artistic expression without fear. His music exhibits an unparalleled ability to evoke emotions, reflecting the complexities of the human experience.

Throughout our studies, I have come to understand the importance of music as a form of communication and a reflection of cultural milieu. Stravinsky’s works encapsulate the spirit of rebellion and change, resonating with my belief that art should provoke thought and contemplation. Reflecting on my experiences, I find that music has always been intertwined with significant moments in my life, offering solace during turbulent times and celebrating joyous occasions.

As I delve deeper into the realm of music, Stravinsky’s innovative use of rhythm and tonality inspires me to view challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation. His work encourages me to explore my creativity, pushing the boundaries of my own perspectives and inviting me to see the world through various lenses. Moreover, it has underscored the value of collaborative expression, where diverse voices converge to create narratives that resonate across cultures and generations.

Ultimately, learning about composers like Stravinsky allows me to appreciate the power of music in navigating life’s complexities, shaping not just my artistic endeavors but also my outlook on the myriad experiences that life represents.

References

• Stravinsky, Igor. "The Rite of Spring." RCA Victor, 1958.
• Hughes, Robert. "The Shock of the New." Knopf, 1980.
• Taruskin, Richard. "Stravinsky and the Russian Traditions." University of California Press, 1996.
• Griffin, Susan. "The Eros of Everyday Life: A New Look at the Beauty of the World." The Doubleday, 1995.
• Smith, Steve. "Stravinsky: The Music of the 20th Century." Yale University Press, 2001.
• Palmer, Ian. "A History of Classical Music." Carnegie Mellon Press, 2007.
• Brindle, Reginald. "The New Music: The New Music: The New Music of the Twentieth Century." Edward Arnold, 1986.
• Cook, Nicholas. "Music: A Very Short Introduction." Oxford University Press, 2012.
• Neff, Robert. "Stravinsky: A Critical Study." Routledge, 2004.
• Brown, H. "Modernism and Music." Cambridge University Press, 2017.