Returned from Lubbock with sciatica, the presidency, and fantastic thoughts and memories. Still flat on my back but keep remembering performances that seem unreal. Player after player made me wonder what became of all those technical problems - Why does everyone's reed play so well? Doesn't anyone have intonation problems? Have we achieved such perfection in my lifetime? All this combined with a musicality and understanding that brought cheers to our lips.
It was my first convention and I was overwhelmed by the growth of interest in oboe and bassoon, all in my life time. I wandered around in a daze only to be greeted by old friends and colleagues who were enjoying the same scene. This was the key to progress, the sharing of hard won knowledge and a collective spirit of comradeship. The words of Nikisch came to mind:
The most sensitive and "touchy" for example, are the oboists and fagottists, and this is easily explained. These gentlemen have to blow upon a thin pipe with the chest pumped full of air, and then they slowly and carefully give out the breath. That causes a rush of blood to the brain and produces nervousness. Therefore, they must be fondled, so to speak."
Well I don't know about being fondled but since I'm home I've heard from all the officers and Gene Griswold. All I can say is that I better get out of bed soon as the Baltimore Convention next August will be even greater; if the weather there can match Richard Meek's temperatures in Lubbock. Nice and cool. . .
Sol Schoenbach