Robert Craft (1923-2015) was a conductor and composer, who was known for his professional, and personal, association with Stravinsky. He conducted several orchestras in America, Canada, Europe and the rest of the world. Some of Stravinsky’s later works premiered with Craft conducting. His recordings include numerous works by Stravinsky, Schoenberg and Webern. His writings include collaborations with Stravinsky, such as Conversations with Igor Stravinsky (1959) and Memories and Commentaries (1960). He also wrote extensively on Stravinsky, as well as other notable figures in music and literature.

Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971) was a Russian composer and conductor. He is considered an important and influential composer whose works inspired many. During his life he composed more than one hundred pieces that spanned various genres and styles. His early works include his ballets commissioned by Sergei Diaghilev for the Ballet Russe, such as ‘The Firebird’ (1910), ‘Petrushka’ (1911), and ‘The Rite of Spring’ (1913). His neoclassical period included pieces influenced by Greek mythological themes, including his 1933 work ’Perséphone’. His later music was influenced by the twelve-tone technique used by Schoenberg, and the music of the Second Viennese School, a change that came about after meeting Robert Craft.

Craft and Stravinsky remained close until Stravinsky’s death in 1971.

The archive comprises a variety of material belonging to both Craft and Stravinsky. In this first edition of the catalogue, researchers will find correspondence, photographs and music papers spanning both the lifetimes of Craft and Stravinsky. As work progresses further material will be added.