This photograph was taken by one of the cadre of players that I call “Monostatos”. I was introduced to this person at Orchestra Hall and since this person was also an avid amateur photographer they asked if they could photograph me. I was looking for a photo for an upcoming recital and was delighted at the offer.
When this person arrived at my house for the photo session , I was practicing in my studio with the windows open. I happened to be practicing a Mozart violin concerto. When I went to open the front door they practically burst in and almost literally ran around the first floor, whispering, “Mozart! Mozart! Mozart!” I laughed, and said, “Yes, that is what I was playing,’ but they then gave me a horrified look, as though I didn’t understand. At that point I became puzzled. I have since been told that some people think they hear the voice of Mozart in the sound of die zauberflote, but at that time didn’t really have a clue. (I am not aware of hearing any voice, for the most part.) Later I did ask their help in getting me a proper introduction to the Music Director, but they declined to do so. I was, of course, puzzled and disappointed. Some time after this, this person contracted a terminal illness and died.
For those who thought I was not supportive of the current players during the lockout, I ask you to look at this situation from my somewhat unique and eccentric viewpoint, which is that if I did not care about them I would have remained silent and not bothered to try to warn them about the one of the clique who remains who may have led them astray. And I would have to have that burden on my conscience as well…
Le Chant du Rossignol...(song of the nightingale) 