On 29 May 1913, the Rite of Spring by Russian composer Igor Stravinsky was first performed at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Paris by Ballets Russes company. Arguably the most famous work of the composer in present days, the premiere of it is one of the biggest scandals in classical music history.
Below is a interesting video introducing what happened that night.
Stravinsky was already a popular composer who produced two successful ballet, the Firebird and Petrushka, in previous years. Whether it was that the composition did not meet the audience's expectation, or the riot in the primiere was actually a political conspiracy remains a mystery. However, it certainly did not harm, but rather advocate the reputation of the piece to be a masterpiece in the 20th century.
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