By the early 1920s, Igor Stravinsky had a problem. He had a large family, little income and his homeland was in shambles. Fortunately he had a benefactor in Coco Chanel, famous for her haute couture (but not yet for her perfume). This little known connection, which became very close and had unexpected consequences, has been made into a film now out on DVD. Conveniently, Chanel's earlier life was recently explored in another recent movie, Coco Before Chanel, starring a different actress, Audrey Tautou.

There is some intriguing speculation in Coco Chanel and Igor Stravinsky as to how the two creative geniuses may have encouraged one another, but the real reason to see this film is the stunning recreation of the debut performance of the Rite of Spring and the uproar which ensued. Music and dance were never the same again.

You can see a clip of the dance scene from the film at the film's French language site (just click on videos) or download a podcast of a recent discussion of a new book, Dreaming of Chanel, from Radio National. You can also listen to a recording of Stravinsky conducting his work at the Internet Archive.