meanwhile. . .


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Posted by Richard on April 30, 2001 at 23:06:34:

While we wait for the BSO to choose it's next principal tubist, here's one for the archivists and those knowledgeable about who did what some years ago. In the '60s RCA produced a full-length recording of Lohengrin with Erich Leinsdorf and the BSO. It is truly one of the best recordings made during Leinsdorf's tenure. Opera buffs will tell you that the casting was uneven, although the best singers were brilliant. The orchestral playing will blow you away. Roger Voisin played 1st trumpet with very little of his well known vibrato, but with his reknowned burnished tone and laser-like projection at full strength. And that's not to mention the stage trumpets! It's never been better than this.

The liner note book for the original LP set had a color photo of the BSO from one of the sessions on the floor of Symphony Hall. One can clearly see two tuba players in this photo. Lohengrin only calls for one tuba, so it's apparent that Leinsdorf wanted some doubling. It's clear to see that the player in the first position is holding Vinal Smith's Kruspe F, so we can safely assume it's him holding it. The player next to him, mostly covered by his instrument, which appears to be an Alexander CC, appears to be a young man in a light blue blazer. I used to assume that it was Chester, and that Mr. Smith's parting jesture was Chester's debut. Listening to the recording, it would be easy to imagine that we are indeed hearing the young Chester, with that lean and powerful tone, and easy authority of phrase.

But, on examining the dating of the recording sessions, it becomes apparent that the recording took place in August 1965, not only before Chester was hired, but before the auditions had even taken place. And Mr. Smith had another full season to go.

So, does anyone out there know who the extra tuba player was in the Leinsdorf Lohengrin?
He deserves to be known. And by the way, the recording has been issued by RCA (BMG) on CD in an excellent remastering. You should all HAVE it.


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