Robert Lawson Craft (born October 20, 1923) is an American conductor and writer on music best known for his friendship with Igor Stravinsky, a relationship which has resulted in a number of recordings and books.

Craft was born in Kingston, New York and studied music at the Juilliard School. He became particlarly interested in early music by the likes of Claudio Monteverdi and Heinrich Schütz, and contemporary music by the composers of the Second Viennese School and others.

Craft met Stravinsky in 1948, and from then until the composer's death in 1971, Craft continued to work alongside Stravinsky. A relationship that started as out as a meager role for Craft evolved into a full blown artistic partnership. Craft wrote the libretto for The Flood. He lived with the Stravinsky family in California and later in New York. Craft continued to remain close to the composer's widow Vera until her death in 1982.

After Stravinsky's death, Craft continued to concertize and to write. His 2002 book An Improbable Life details his life before, during, and after his friendship with Stravinsky. The memoir elaborates on the impact that Igor Stravinsky has had and continues to have on his life.

External link

• Official site