As I took a break from practicing one day and was surfing on violinist.com, I found an interview article with Emerson’s violinist Philip Setzer. I admit that I am fascinated with interviews, interviews about ANYTHING, and especially those about celebrities, musicians, artists, etc. because I guess I’m always looking for any sign that they are normal, down-to-earth types of people. Of course, not everyone can be that way, but I’m happy to say that after studying with Phil for couple years, I still keep him high on that pedestal. Here’s a funny anecdote from him on Martinu’s Madrigals: (he’s always full of stories!)
Yes, (ESQ violist Lawrence Dutton) studied with Lillian Fuchs at one point, and (siblings Joseph and Lillian Fuchs) premiered the piece… A little side story: I remember when I was at Aspen, as a student when I was young, I was supposed to meet someone at the music tent, I think we were going to have a rehearsal. I didn’t see them, and I sort of walked around. As I was walking past one of the openings in the tent on the side, I heard this yelling going on inside. I thought, what’s going on? So I peeked in, and on the stage there were Joe and Lillian Fuchs – I think they were actually performing the “Madrigals” that night on a concert, and they were rehearsing. They were standing, facing each other, nose to nose, and both of them were screaming! (He laughs). They were both about five feet tall, they were like these two little snarly dogs, yelling at each other, it was very funny. I’d be willing to bet you that she ended up winning the argument, too! She was a tough lady. I can tell you that the Madrigals are very difficult, but Larry and I actually never yelled at each other while we rehearsed.
Haha. I can always say the same thing with Leewen and I. We’re almost TOO nice to each other :)