| Abstract |
Stravinsky's return to Russia in 1962 was only one of his recent trips to the major countries of the world, and the acclaim and attention he received there--he conducted his works in Moscow, Leningrad, and Kiev, met with Shostakovich, Khatchaturian, and Kondrashin, and had an interview with Khrushchev--are characteristic of his reception in all lands. One of the most distinguished composers of our time, he was repeatedly honored in his eightieth year; celebrations included a dinner at the White House with the Kennedys. In this volume Stravinsky's distinguished protégé, Robert Craft, describes their travels since 1951. These are pages filled with stories of exotic places, and anecdotes about some of this century's most celebrated artists--W.H. Auden, to whom the book is dedicated, St.-John Perse, T.S. Eliot, Aldous Huxley, E.M. Forster, and Jean Genet, among the many. In the dialogues section Stravinsky continues a detailed analysis of his compositions; examining, for the first time in the series of conversations, the Greek Tribology: Oedipus Rex, Apollo, and Persephone. He discusses his thoughts as an octogenarian, his feelings about current music and recording, his opinions of contemporary and classical composers, and the nature and origins of many of his most popular compositions: Octuor, inspired by a dream; Symphony of Psalms, prompted by a publisher's suggestion that he write something popular; Scenes de Ballet, commissioned by Billy Rose for a Broadway extravaganza; Ebony Concerto, composed for Woody Herman; and Scherzo a la Russe, for Paul Whiteman. Obvious throughout is the enormous influence of literature, ballet, design, theater, and television on his art. Another important section of this volume contains the working notes of The Flood, or Noah and the Flood, as the CBS television presentation was entitled. This work is one of the most recent collaborations between Balanchine and Stravinsky, and demonstrates Stravinsky's remarkable facility with new forms and media. It is one of the latest indications that he will continue to amaze the world with musical innovations. |
