This was a great find, a two lp set, released by Dover in 1968 of important piano works, and arrangements, by Stravinsky. Played by the Beveridge Webster, these lp's fit conveniently onto one cd. This is an indispensable recording for the fact that Webster was closely aligned with Stravinsky and these interpretations are probably as close to the composer's intent as is possible.
Beveridge Webster is a name that has been largely forgotten by the listening public. Though he lived a long life, into his 90's, his performing career gave way, rather early on, to the demands of teaching and adjudication. However, during his 20's through his 50's, he was in great demand as an intepreter and he premiered many works by American, as well as European, composers. Notably, his most famous premiere was that of Ravel's Tzigane, given when Webster was still a teenager! Webster was highly regarded as an artist that did his best to understand and interpret a composer's writing first and foremost. He was an honest musician.
Strangely, the piano works of Stravinsky are recorded few and far between. This is too bad since they are colorful, accessible, and wrought with genius. This particular collection belongs on your shelf.
DOWNLOAD Pt 1
DOWNLOAD Pt 2
