stravinsky: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1+Formal, Academic, Artistic
Quick answer
What does “stravinsky” mean?
A Russian composer, widely considered one of the most important and influential figures of 20th-century music.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Russian composer, widely considered one of the most important and influential figures of 20th-century music.
Used attributively to describe music, style, or artistic characteristics reminiscent of or relating to Igor Stravinsky or his works (e.g., Stravinskian rhythms). Also refers to his compositions collectively.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Pronunciation differs (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical connotations of modernist innovation, rhythmic complexity, and historical significance in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both regions, confined to artistic, academic, and educated discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “stravinsky” in a Sentence
Stravinsky + verb (e.g., Stravinsky composed...)Stravinsky's + noun (e.g., Stravinsky's innovation)by Stravinskyattributive: Stravinsky + noun (e.g., Stravinsky rhythms)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stravinsky” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The choreography has a distinctly Stravinskian feel to it.
- He is analysing Stravinskian rhythmic structures.
American English
- The piece features some very Stravinsky-esque harmonies.
- Her composition is influenced by Stravinskian neoclassicism.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Common in musicology, history, and cultural studies texts discussing 20th-century art.
Everyday
Rare, except in conversations about classical music or culture among informed speakers.
Technical
Core term in music theory and history for discussing rhythm, orchestration, and 20th-century compositional techniques.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stravinsky”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stravinsky”
- Misspelling: 'Stravinski' (missing 'y').
- Incorrect pronunciation: placing primary stress on the first syllable.
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'He is a stravinsky' is wrong).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is almost exclusively a proper noun (a surname). It can be used attributively as a proper adjective (e.g., 'Stravinskian').
He is most famous for his ballets 'The Firebird', 'Petrushka', and particularly 'The Rite of Spring', which marked a turning point in 20th-century music.
In American English, it is typically pronounced /strɑːˈvɪnski/, with a long 'ah' sound in the first syllable.
This is very rare and stylistically marked. It is much more natural to say 'a piece by Stravinsky' or 'a Stravinsky piece'.
A Russian composer, widely considered one of the most important and influential figures of 20th-century music.
Stravinsky is usually formal, academic, artistic in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'STRAVinsky STRIVed to revolutionize music with STRONG, jarring rhythms.'
Conceptual Metaphor
STRAVINSKY IS A CATALYST FOR MODERNISM (e.g., 'Stravinsky shattered traditional harmony').
Practice
Quiz
In which artistic field is Igor Stravinsky primarily known?