ENCOUNTERS WITH STRAVINSKY

by Paul Horgan ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 1, 1972

Since Robert Craft has been the Maestro's Boswell through several volumes of contrapuntal conversations (the last of which has now been postponed to June -- p. 169) -- this has only gracenotes to add, particularly in view of Miss Libman's de-canonization of both Stravinsky and Craft which. has just been aired in the newspapers and will be amplified in book form in the fall. Here Miss Libman appears at the funeral but not as a member of the inner circle which Horgan shared, particularly during the summers when Stravinsky's works were being performed in Santa Fe. Until circa 1956, Horgan's admiration (he felt Stravinsky's ""immanence"" everywhere) was at longer distance -- he was always ""transported"" by his music. Then he met the great man and while never sharing the filial intimacy of Mr. Craft, he did become a great friend. Although not the equal of Craft as a witty raconteur, he will permit you to witness Stravinsky composing ""at a muted piano,"" growling after a performance in distress ""It is never good enough,"" and unselfconsciously exposing the pathos of his ""twig-made"" aging body constantly diminishing in the last years. A lovely moment not so musical -- Stravinsky when asked ""How does it feel to be in the White House?"" answering ""It feels very dronk."" Marginal Stravinskiana to be sure, in the form of almost exalted homage.

Pub Date: May 1, 1972

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Farrar, Straus & Giroux

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1972

Categories: NONFICTION