Why did the first performance of The Rite of Spring cause an uproar in Paris?

The premiere of The Rite of Spring on May 29, 1913, at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris is remembered as one of the most scandalous events in the history of musical theatre.12

The uproar was driven by a combination of factors that challenged the sensibilities of the audience:

• Daring Music: Igor Stravinsky’s score was highly original, featuring audacious, shifting rhythms, barbaric percussive momentum, and unresolved dissonances that were starkly different from traditional expectations.12
• Unconventional Choreography: The production featured unusual and suggestive choreography by Vaslav Nijinsky, which further alienated and provoked the crowd.2

The reaction was so intense that members of the audience began cheering, protesting, and arguing among themselves. The resulting clamour became so loud that the dancers were unable to hear the orchestra, making it nearly impossible for them to perform their cues. This premiere solidified Stravinsky’s reputation as a leading figure of Modernism in music.12