Robert Craft first met Stravinsky on the same day that Auden delivered the completed libretto to the composer, and was directly involved in what he describes as “the first step” in the composition of The Rake’s Progress. This was principally with regard to helping Stravinsky master the pronunciation, vocabulary and rhythms of the English text, and sharing the composer’s excitement as the brilliantly conceived score took shape. This 1993 recording, conducted by Craft, is no less significant than Stravinsky’s 1953 Metropolitan Opera recording, available on Naxos Historical 8111266-67. “Craft understands Stravinsky's music better than anyone.” Fanfare