tss@astrovax.UUCP (Thomas S. Statler) (03/08/84)
A story told by, if I remember correctly, Virgil Thomson (but I wouldn't
count on it):
Back in, the forties, when Stravinsky had become a celebrity, he
was contacted by Samuel Goldwyn about the prospect of composing a film score.
Stravinsky went to see Goldwyn, and after exchanging various pleasantries,
they got down to business.
S.G.: So, Mr. Stravinsky, how long do you think you would need to produce a
score for me?
I.S.: Well, Mr. Goldwyn, that would depend on how much music was required.
S.G.: For a two-hour film, let's say about ninety minutes.
Stravinsky thought back to the days when he was working on the early ballets,
and after some cogitation replied,
I.S.: Oh, perhaps a year.
S.G.: Good-bye, Mr. Stravinsky.