Stravinsky Versus Schoenberg – Rivalry In Music

The musical liberation of the early 20th century saw two great composers – successful in their own right – who grew into polar opposites of each other: Igor Stravinsky approached music from the rhythmic section, whereas the sophisticated but grumpy Arnold Schoenberg approached composing from a harmonic standpoint and became famous for his twelve-tone music. Their once harmonious relationship based on mutual admiration grew strained and eventually turned sour due to their jealousy. The conflict was subsequently fueled by their pupils and soon became a fundamental debate on which approach was the correct and progressive one in modern music.