Influence of Stravinsky’s ‘The Rite of Spring’ on Twentieth-Century Western Music

Abstract

This chapter aims to develop a profound understanding of Stravinsky’s music creation characteristics of the Rite of Spring and its significant impacts on the 20th century and contemporary modern music. The Nationalist Period, the Neoclassical Period, and the Dodecaphony Music (or Twelve Tone Music) Period were all pivotal times in the life of Russian-born American music composer Stravinsky. The ballet The Rite of Spring, composed during the “Nationalist Period,” has become a classic work in music history for its original composition, ingenious layout, and bold, innovative spirit. Due to its exclusivity and uniqueness, it has emerged as an exceptional landmark work. It had a significant influence on twentieth-century Western music as well as contemporary world music. Attempting to analyze, explain, summarize, and outline the "unique charm" and "artistic significance" of The Rite of Spring, this chapter concentrates on the following topics: the composition's background, its musical features, and its aesthetic characteristics.