Dear List: How does one define greatness? Certainly accuracy and intonation are near the top of the list. But I'm sure many of you have heard in tune and accurate performances that left you flat (so to speak). There must be something else; something special. We often call it musicality, or musicianship. Well, yesterday I heard a great horn player give a great performance.
Andrew Pelletier, the new (about 2 years) horn professor at Bowling Green State University performed the Strauss Concerto No. 1 with that schools Philharmonia Sunday afternoon March 26. Andrew, if you've not heard of him, hails from Maine (I do believe) and received his doctorate at USC. While in LA, he did some film and studio work, played principal in Santa Barbara, won two first prizes in the American Horn Competition - both University and Professional divisions, and, oh yes, won a Grammy award last year. We all know the Strauss. In my opinion, it's too often played by young players who would do better to go back to Getchell and Kopprasch. But yesterday, a master played that quite familiar work. I do hope that all of you will take the next opportunity to hear Andrew perform live. He'll be at more IHS conventions in the future (he was at last summer's Alabama convention) and perhaps even coming to an orchestra concert near you. It's a funny thing about greatness - there is always room at the top. There is no one greatest player of anything, whether it's basketball (all the rage in the US right now), or music. In my opinion, whoever we think of as the best at playing the horn (many names, I'm sure), Andrew belongs right up there with them. Bravo Andrew! You are a master of the craft and it's a pleasure to know you, work with you, and witness your performances. Sandra Clark Toledo Symphony Co-Principal Horn _______________________________________________ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music2.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
