This work investigates the fundamental structural and harmonic innovations that define Igor Stravinsky's musical language in his early masterpiece, The Rite of Spring. Pieter C. van den Toorn, a respected music theorist, utilizes detailed score analysis to demonstrate how Stravinsky moved away from traditional tonal hierarchies. The book argues that the composer's unique use of octatonic scales and rhythmic displacement established a new paradigm for twentieth-century composition. By examining specific passages, the author provides a rigorous framework for understanding the technical evolution of Stravinsky's style.

Musicologists and theorists frequently cite this text as a foundational study for understanding the mechanics of Stravinsky's early period. Readers often note the high level of technical density, making it most suitable for those with a strong background in music theory and score reading.