Meaning: This quote by composer Lukas Foss sheds light on the influence of classical music on Igor Stravinsky, one of the most influential composers of the 20th century. Stravinsky's use of classical music as a major influence is indeed evident in his compositions, but what sets him apart is the way he transformed and reinterpreted these classical elements to create his own unique style.

Igor Stravinsky was born in 1882 in Russia and is widely regarded as one of the most important composers of the 20th century. His early works, such as "The Firebird," "Petrushka," and "The Rite of Spring," brought him international fame and established him as a leading figure in the world of classical music. Throughout his career, Stravinsky demonstrated a deep appreciation for the works of classical composers such as Bach, Mozart, and Tchaikovsky, and he often drew inspiration from their music.

One of the most striking aspects of Stravinsky's use of classical influences is his ability to transform and adapt these elements to fit his own innovative and modernist musical language. Rather than simply imitating or replicating the classical style, Stravinsky reimagined and reshaped these influences, infusing them with his own distinct rhythmic and harmonic language. This transformative process is what Lukas Foss refers to when he speaks of "how he turned Bach into Stravinsky."

For example, in his neoclassical period, which began in the 1920s, Stravinsky drew inspiration from the music of the Baroque and Classical eras. He incorporated forms and structures reminiscent of the classical period, such as the concerto grosso and the symphony, into his compositions. However, he approached these forms with a modern sensibility, using dissonant harmonies, asymmetrical rhythms, and unconventional instrumentation to create a sound that was unmistakably his own.

One of the most notable examples of Stravinsky's reimagining of classical music is his "Pulcinella Suite," which is based on music attributed to the 18th-century composer Giovanni Battista Pergolesi. In this work, Stravinsky took melodies and themes from Pergolesi's music and reworked them in his neoclassical style, infusing them with a fresh and modern energy while still retaining the essence of the original compositions.

In addition to his neoclassical works, Stravinsky's use of classical influences can also be seen in his later compositions, such as "Symphony of Psalms" and "The Rake's Progress." Even as he continued to evolve and experiment with new musical techniques, the classical influence remained a constant source of inspiration for him.

Overall, Stravinsky's approach to using classical influences in his compositions is characterized by a deep reverence for the classical tradition coupled with a fearless willingness to push boundaries and challenge musical conventions. His ability to transform classical elements into something entirely new and innovative is a testament to his genius as a composer and his lasting impact on the world of music.

In conclusion, Lukas Foss's quote encapsulates the essence of Igor Stravinsky's approach to classical influences in his music. Stravinsky's ability to turn the music of Bach and other classical composers into something uniquely his own is a testament to his creative vision and his enduring legacy as a pioneer of 20th-century music.