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Igor Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" is a groundbreaking and influential work in the world of classical music. Here are some interesting facts about the composer and the composition:

1. Premiere Controversy: "The Rite of Spring" premiered in Paris on May 29, 1913, and is infamous for its controversial reception. The avant-garde nature of the music, combined with Vaslav Nijinsky's innovative choreography, caused a riot in the audience. The uproar was so intense that the performance had to be stopped at times.

2. Innovative Rhythms and Harmonies: Stravinsky's composition is known for its complex rhythms and unconventional harmonies. The use of irregular meters and dissonant chords was groundbreaking for its time, contributing to the shock and surprise experienced by the audience.

3. Primal Theme: The ballet's narrative is based on pagan Russia and features a sacrificial dance that concludes with the chosen maiden dancing herself to death. Stravinsky drew inspiration from Russian folklore, ancient rituals, and pre-Christian traditions for the thematic content.

4. Pioneering Orchestration: Stravinsky's orchestration in "The Rite of Spring" is innovative and influential. He used unconventional combinations of instruments and explored the full range of their capabilities, creating a unique and powerful sonic experience.

5. Shifting Meters: One of the most distinctive features of the composition is its use of constantly changing meters. Stravinsky employed irregular and shifting rhythmic patterns, which contributed to the sense of primitivism and unpredictability in the music.

6. Impact on 20th Century Music: "The Rite of Spring" is often considered a landmark work that marked the beginning of 20th-century music. Its influence can be heard in the works of later composers, and its groundbreaking approach to rhythm and harmony paved the way for the development of various musical styles, including neoclassicism and serialism.

7. Collaboration with Sergei Diaghilev: Stravinsky's collaboration with Sergei Diaghilev, the founder of the Ballets Russes, was crucial for the creation and presentation of "The Rite of Spring." Diaghilev played a key role in commissioning the work and selecting Nijinsky as the choreographer.

8. Adaptations and Arrangements: "The Rite of Spring" has been adapted and arranged for various ensembles and genres over the years. Its influence extends beyond classical music, with arrangements for jazz bands, rock groups, and even electronic music.

9. Stravinsky's Evolving Style: "The Rite of Spring" represents a significant departure from Stravinsky's earlier, more traditionally tonal compositions. It marked a shift towards a more dissonant and rhythmically complex style, which continued to evolve in his later works.

10. Legacy: Despite the initial controversy, "The Rite of Spring" has become one of the most performed and celebrated works in the classical repertoire. It stands as a testament to Stravinsky's daring creativity and his ability to push the boundaries of musical expression.