Today, May 29th, we celebrate a day filled with notable musical anniversaries that have shaped the history of music. From the premiere of a groundbreaking work to the births of influential composers and poets, we explore four significant events in the world of music.
The Premiere of Igor Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring”
On May 29, 1913, one of the most revolutionary and controversial works in the history of music premiered at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris: Igor Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring,” with choreography by Vaslav Nijinsky.
This premiere left no one indifferent. The intellectual elite of the time, including figures such as Camille Saint-Saëns, Jean Cocteau, Pablo Picasso, and Coco Chanel, attended the event. The work caused a clear division between conservatives and revolutionaries, eliciting both shouts and applause in equal measure. The musical director, Pierre Monteaux, remained steadfast despite the tumult, guiding the music through the cacophony of the audience.
Birth of Iannis Xenakis
On May 29th, 1922, the composer and architect of Greek origin, Iannis Xenakis, was born in Brăila, Romania. Considered one of the most important composers of contemporary music, Xenakis integrated his background in architecture and mathematics into his musical compositions.
Based in Paris, he worked with the renowned architect Le Corbusier and designed significant architectural works such as the Convent of Sainte-Marie-de-la-Tourette and the Philips Pavilion for the Brussels International Exposition. Simultaneously, he studied composition with masters like Olivier Messiaen and pioneered the use of computers in algorithmic music composition.
Birth of Isaac Albéniz
On May 29th, 1860, the pianist and composer Isaac Albéniz was born in Camprodón, Spain. His life, especially during his childhood and youth, was one of the most captivating in the history of music. As a child prodigy, he made his debut as a pianist at the age of four and, despite his failed attempts to enter the Paris Conservatory, he continued his studies in Madrid.
Albéniz is known for his nationalist style, reflected in works such as the Spanish Suite and his masterpiece, Iberia.
Birth of Alfonsina Storni
On May 29th, 1892, the poet and playwright Alfonsina Storni was born. In homage to her, we recall the moving song “Alfonsina y el mar” by Ariel Ramírez and Félix Luna, performed by José Carreras and the Vienna Symphony Orchestra at the Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna. The song captures the poetic and tragic essence of Storni, perpetuating her legacy through music.
