Stravinsky in Context

Description

Stravinsky in Context offers an alternative to chronological biography. Thirty-five short, specially commissioned essays explore the eventful life-tapestry from which Stravinsky's compositions emerged. The opening chapters draw on new research into the composer's childhood in St. Petersburg. Stravinsky's early, often traumatic upbringing is examined in depth, particularly in the context of his brother Roman's death, and religious sensibilities within the family. Further essays consider Stravinsky's years in exile at the centre of dynamic and ever-evolving cultural environments, the composer constantly refining his idiom and re-defining his aesthetics against a backdrop of world events and personal tragedy. The closing chapters review new material regarding Stravinsky's complicated relationship with the Soviet Union, whilst also anticipating his legacy from the varied perspectives of publishing, research and even - in the iconic example of The Rite of Spring - space exploration. The book includes previously unpublished images of the composer and his family.

Graham Griffiths is an Honorary Research Fellow at City, University of London and a member of the editorial board of the St Petersburg Conservatoire. His publications include Stravinsky's Piano: Genesis of a Musical Language (Cambridge University Press, 2013) and he is a contributor to British Post-Graduate Musicology-online (2005), Abecedaire Stravinsky (2018) and The Cambridge Stravinsky Encyclopedia (2020). He was Founder/director of the contemporary music ensemble Grupo Novo Horizonte de Sao Paulo (1989-99) and Vice-President, Sociedade Brasileira de Musicologia (1995-97). He is editor of the Kashperova Edition (Boosey & Hawkes).

'a fascinating read for more-seasoned musicians ... Recommended.' M. Neil, Choice Connect