Stravinsky (right) with Walt Disney
Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971) was a Russian composer of classical music, later of French and American citizenship. With a compositional career noted for its stylistic diversity, he is widely considered one of the most influential composers of the 20th century.
Stravinsky's most popularly known works are The Firebird and The Rite of Spring, both of which were adapted by The Walt Disney Company. The Rite of Spring — a work that allegedly sparked a riot at its Paris premiere — underscores a pre-historic vignette with dinosaurs from the 1940 animated feature Fantasia, while The Firebird takes center stage for the finale of Fantasia 2000 in a segment about an analog to the mythic Phoenix-bird and environmental renewal.
References[]
- Oscar the Grouch affectionately designates a jackhammering Biff a "Sidewalk Stravinsky" in Sesame Street Episode 0665, referring to his loud construction work as musical genius.
Works[]
- The Rite of Spring is performed on Bert and Ernie: Soft and Loud.
- One of Gonzo's "Death Defying Acts of Culture" in The Muppet CD-ROM: Muppets Inside is titled "Rites of Spring (The Wrongs of Winter)." During the game, Gonzo plays The Rite of Spring on the harmonica.