Igor STRAVINSKY was a Russian composer, pianist, and conductor who is widely considered to be one of the most influential composers of the 20th century. He is best known for his ballets The Firebird, Petrushka, and The Rite of Spring, which revolutionized modern music. STRAVINSKY's works are characterized by their rhythmic complexity and their use of dissonance. He was also an innovator in the use of musical form and structure.