Igor Stravinsky Biogrpahy

Igor Fedrovich Stravinsky was born on 18th June 1882 to Fyodor Stravinsky (1843-1902) and Anna Stravinsky, in Oranienbaum; now know as Lomonosov, in a village on the seaside of Finland.  He was not born in his family home at St. Petersburg because his parents had chosen the villa for an early summer holiday (Routh, 1).  He is the second youngest of four brothers Roman (1874-95), Youry (1879-1941) and Goury (1884-1917).  He is of Polish ancestry from his father’s side and of Baltic provinces from his mother’s side.   Both his parents were from upper-middle class families.  His father had a library that was said to be the largest and most valuable libraries in Russia. Both of Stravinsky's parents come from musical backgrounds (Routh, 6).  His mother was talented pianist with the gift of sight-reading and his father was a famous bass singer at Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg.  Stravinsky had stated that his childhood had been unhappy and lonely. Stravinsky's father was remote, did not show any affection and had an uncontrollable temper that had often lead him to embarrassed Stravinsky in public (Routh, 3).  His relationship with his mother was no greater he had said the she found delight in tormenting and embarrassing him.  Later in her life she had publicly expressed her distaste in his music. Stravinsky had started taking piano lessons at the age of 9 and had shown rapid progress but his parents didn't acknowledge his musical talents (Routh, 5).  Stravinsky had desired to become a composer but his father thought his talent did not add up to his desire and forced him to attend the University of St. Petersburg for law.  Stravinsky did not get along with his older brother because they annoyed him.  He was close to his youngest brother, Goury, who also had taken an interest in music. Another better part of his childhood consisted of his relationship with his uncle Alexender Yelachicn, a wealthy land owner and high ranking civil servant, because of their shared...