As a composer, myself, I have to say that you should really disregard your teacher's comments about Stravinsky. Stravinsky has been, in fact, absolutely, without question, the most influential composer of the past century. That applies instrumentally, rhythmically, developmentally and stylistically. Some might say the same about Schoenberg, but that applies more to his music theory, not his compositions. Your teacher is certainly free, as you should also be, to have his opinions and tastes, but don't let him turn you off to one of the world's greatest composers that quickly. After spending years in a collegiate conservatory atmosphere, I have really never met any professional musicians who think that Stravinsky's music is "salon music". I have met those who don't particularly like Stravinsky's music, but that's a different thing altogether.
It is, however, generally popular, as a professional musician, to insult composers of merit. People obtain a feeling of superiority from trying to point out what they see as weaknesses in others of the same profession. For many years, Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky and Mozart have been the objects of much insult. This, in spite of the fact that they are three of the most talented composers to have walked the earth. Franz Josef Haydn, himself, told Leopold Mozart, the young Mozart's father, that the young man was the greatest composer to have ever lived. But for many years, people have said of him that he wrote, as Charles Ives said, "...music for nice people." Interestingly enough, Samuel Barber said of Charles Ives that "he was a hack."
Try reading Lukas Foss's essay at http://amherstsaxophonequartet.buffalo.edu/Foss.htm. It's not necessarily a response to your question, but I think that you might find it interesting.
Happy listening!!
Kurt
It is, however, generally popular, as a professional musician, to insult composers of merit. People obtain a feeling of superiority from trying to point out what they see as weaknesses in others of the same profession. For many years, Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky and Mozart have been the objects of much insult. This, in spite of the fact that they are three of the most talented composers to have walked the earth. Franz Josef Haydn, himself, told Leopold Mozart, the young Mozart's father, that the young man was the greatest composer to have ever lived. But for many years, people have said of him that he wrote, as Charles Ives said, "...music for nice people." Interestingly enough, Samuel Barber said of Charles Ives that "he was a hack."
Try reading Lukas Foss's essay at http://amherstsaxophonequartet.buffalo.edu/Foss.htm. It's not necessarily a response to your question, but I think that you might find it interesting.
Happy listening!!
Kurt