John Mack plays the Saint-Saens Sonata
Conquering my innate uneasiness about being in large groups of oboe-players, I decided to attend the IDRS conference at Sioux Falls. It was a delightful surprise to find such beautiful facilities for music-making there, and the hospitality of Richard Rath and Leland Lillehaug, both IDRS members and Augustana faculty members, will be long remembered. John Mack's brilliant performance of the Saint-Saens Sonata, as well as his marvelous discussion of teaching philosophies; Wilma Zonn's exciting playing and discussion of avant-garde techniques these were special high points for me. It was gratifying to see Jerry Corey elected to the presidency of the society; in so many ways the society is really a dream come true for him. He is a great friend, a distinguished artist, and a man of boundless energy. I must say a word for Edgar Kirk and Arthur Norris who guided the society so successfully through its crucial first year; I'm sure all society members share my gratitude to them I came away from Sioux Falls impressed at the depth and vitality of interest this project has awakened in so many double-reed players.
This issue of TTWO includes an article featuring the oboe section of the Philadelphia Orchestra (a series I shall try to continue thanks to your enthusiastic response to the NY Philharmonic article). Fans of the baroque oboe will find an article of special interest; my long-promised discography of baroque oboe music will wait for the 1974 Journal - this is a task of tremendous scope! I especially enjoyed the reminiscences of Marcel Dandois; I feel sure many of you might want to do something similar about your teachers. I look forward to news of your performances and your tours. Best wishes for good concerts and great reeds in '74!
Daniel Stolper
Michigan State University
Department of Music
East Lansing, Michigan 48824.