Igor Stravinsky Arrives In N.Z.

Press, Volume C, Issue 29669, 13 November 1961, Page 12

Igor Stravinsky Arrives In N.Z.

(New Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND, Nov. 12. Igor Stravinsky, the Rus-sian-born composer, who has been described as "the towering musical genius of the twentieth century,” arrived in Auckland from Sydney by air on Saturday night. In the airport waiting room, Stravinsky gave one of his rare personal interviews. In his quiet, softly-accented voice, he talked of his current work, his dislike of recordings, and a possible visit to Russia. Had he any major work in hand? he was asked. “I am busy on a big work now,” he said. “It was commissioned for television. It is a type of cantata—some ballet, lots of speaking, some singing, some choruses, and some instrumental.” What did he think of television as a medium for serious music? Stravinsky grinned, and spread his hands. “Television is not a medium, it is an obstacle,” he said. Reminded that he had once said something similar about radio, in its early days, Stravinsky smiled and explained. “I do not like any reproduction of music,” he said. “I like the production. Ido not like making the discs. They

start to correct them after I have made the music. It is wrong.” As a Russian-bom composer, did the' Russians play his music much now? “They play it very little,” he said. “They play it with long tears.” Stravinsky revealed that a Russian emissary had recently extended an invitation to him at his home in Hollywood, California, to visit his homeland, and play his music. “I said I was agreeable,” said

Stravinsky. "I would go there with pleasure if my concerts allow it I could not promise them anything definite. If everything is all right I will go in June next year.” To a compliment that he carried his 79 years lightly, Stravinsky smiled broadly. “You don’t change, you proceed,” he said. -“All of us do. I’m still a young man.” Did he still compose at the piano?—l was bom a pianist The piano gives me everything I want I am always writing at the piano. He had always wanted to visit New Zealand, said Stravinsky. "I have to know you, so I have come to make music for you. I am interested in everybody.” He had read about New Zealand and learned of it from friends. He was .patron of the Auckland Contemporary Music Society “and proud of it” he said.