Music · 1913
The Dawn of Modernism and Musical Riots
In 1913, the music world shattered traditional boundaries through scandalous modernist premieres in Europe and pioneering recording sessions in America. Amid the tumult of impending global change, listeners embraced both avant-garde revolutions and heartwarming Tin Pan Alley popular songs.
- May 29, 1913 | Ballet / Modern Classical
Premiere of Igor Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring
A legendary riot breaks out at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris as Stravinsky's avant-garde rhythms and radical choreography shock the unsuspecting audience.
- March 31, 1913 | Orchestral / Avant-Garde
The Scandal Concert in Vienna
Arnold Schoenberg conducts modern works by Alban Berg and himself, sparking literal fistfights among conservative concertgoers that force the performance to end early.
- December 29, 1913 | Ragtime / Orchestra
James Reese Europe Records for Victor
Bandleader James Reese Europe and his Society Orchestra record historic tracks for Victor, becoming the first African American ensemble to sign a major recording deal.
- November 30, 1913 | Choral Symphony
Premiere of Sergei Rachmaninoff's The Bells
Rachmaninoff debuts his beloved choral masterpiece in Saint Petersburg, adapting Edgar Allan Poe's poetry into a sweeping, haunting musical landscape.
- May 15, 1913 | Ballet / Impressionism
Premiere of Claude Debussy's Jeux
Debussy's last completed orchestral work debuts with Vaslav Nijinsky's choreography for the Ballets Russes just two weeks before the tumultuous Rite of Spring.
- October 2, 1913 | Orchestral
Premiere of Edward Elgar's Falstaff
Elgar conducts the premiere of his symphonic study at the Leeds Festival, crafting a rich musical portrait of Shakespeare's iconic comic knight.
- 1913 | Popular Song / Phonograph
"The Trail of the Lonesome Pine" by Henry Burr
Tenor Henry Burr scores one of the year's biggest hit records with this nostalgic, mountain-themed ballad written by Jack Yellen and Albert Von Tilzer.
- 1913 | Popular Song / Tin Pan Alley
"Peg O' My Heart" by Charles Harrison
Tin Pan Alley songwriters Fred Fisher and Alfred Bryan capture the public imagination with a top-selling pop melody inspired by a hit Broadway comedy.
Enjoyed your trip back in time?