Memories and Commentaries: New One-Volume Edition Compiled and Edited by Robert Craft
From the early 1950s until Stravinsky's death in 1971, Craft, awriter and conductor, accompanied the famed composer on his concerttours and even coconducted his concerts. Between 1958 and 1969 theypublished five books together, known collectively as theConversations. This new work is a one-volume version of those five andwas compiled by and contains new material by Craft. Entries arepresented in order following the stages of Stravinsky's life: Russian,Swiss, French, and American. At Craft's prodding, Stravinsky talksabout his early musical experiences as a pianist and accompanist, hismemories of other composers, the creation of theFirebirdandother works, and his relationship with his family. He recalls hisfriendships with such celebrated people as Matisse, Picasso, Rodin,Debussy, Monet, and others. The book's final section deals with thecomposer's life in California and the music he created there, and whatCraft calls "perspectives of an octogenarian." This is a fascinatingportrait of the composer and the geniuses in his circle offriends.George CohenCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved