From 1899 study of law, from 1903 study of music in St. Petersburg. 1909 composer at the Russian Ballet under Sergeij Diaghilev. 1915 debut as conductor in Paris. World premiere of his works at the Krolloper. 1936 publication of his autobiography "Chronique de ma Vie". 1939 emigration to the USA, lecture series "Poéthique musicale" at Harvard University.

Since 1940 member of the American Academy of Arts and Science as well as member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters since 1949. 1953 awarded the Antonio Feltrinelli Prize. 1957 contribution to the Donauische Musiktage, examination of serial music. 1967 awarded an honorary doctorate by Rutgers University in New Jersey.