Milan Turkovic of the Vienna Symphony reports that several wind players of his orchestra have applied to technicians of the Austrian Atomic Research Center to have brass instrument mouthpieces and reeds and reed cane irradiated with atomic particles. The hope in irradiating the cane is to make the reeds last longer. The brass mouthpieces have been improved in flexibility and response, according to Mr. Turkovic [I have checked this with a (physical chemist) friend at Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Ruth Aran ow. She assures me that as long as gamma or electron particles are used, there is no radiation health hazard with the brass instrument mouthpieces. If properly irradiated, the mouthpieces should gain in flexibility and/or malleability - properties desirab le for efficient vibration. The result, she adds, will disappear if the metal is reheated for repair or for any other reason. -Ed.]
Mr. Turkovic will be sending me the test findings on their experiments with cane, and I will of course comment more at that time. Let us wish them safety and success!