JAVS Summer 1997

33

struments, starting and ending with his own Amati. Several others besides myself had the feeling that with the exception of two or three instruments, they all had very fine qualities and deserved to be on anyone's shorr list of preferred instru ments. Even the more unusual patterns had a distinct and high quality viola sound. We all thought it remarkable how Paul was able to adjust to each instru ment, not only for intonation, but also for the idiosyncrasies of character. It was in some ways a contrast to the Luthiet's Panel

L-R, Gregg Al£ Paul Neubauer, and Eric Chapman with some clear strategies and mental tools. I found Karen Tuttle's master class to be the tonic that I was looking for. 1 found myself agreeing again and again with Ms. Tuttle's assertion that much of the instrumental play ing today, viola playing included, is roo mechanical and technical. We have to con nect to our emotions. Mr. de Pasquale was mentioned as a classic example of someone who plays from the heart. Recalling Karen's visit to Toronto in the spring, I was reminded of the five emotions that we can feel when we approach a piece of music, or a particular sec tion: Love, Anger, Joy, Fear, and Sorrow. The best kind of outlet for a musician is practic ing! Along with the holistic philosophy, we

Discussion, which was more cautious.

I had never participated in a play-in for multiple violas, although my experiences with

Suzuki had exposed me to violin and cello groups. This was quite special. I was apprehensive about how the Brandenburg 6th might sound but in fact found the outer move men ts joyful and the second movement mov ing in terms of sensitivity. Although each per son at the Congress had his or her most favorite activity, I would have to say that the con cluding recital by Paul Neubauer was my personal choice. The recital was full of musical and tech nical challenges, but it seemed natural in its

were advised to take care of our selves. Her AVS Lifetime Achieve ment Award was most deserved. (Harry Danks was also honored in absentia.) Many violists as welJ as viola makers turned out to a Luthier's dem onstration featur ing Paul Neubauer, who played a brief "eclectic improvi sation" on twenry five different in-

L-R, Jeffrey Irvine, AVS Awards Chair, and Karen Tuttle, recipient of Lifetime Acruevemenr Award

execution. Mr. Neubauer was assisted by a clarinettist, twO singers, !:\vo pianists, and a string quartet. After a week of feasting on solo viola music, it really felt good to hear the viola in what is debatably its ideal medium: chamber music. The program was entertaining, and the audience was appreciative, both in terms of applause and poignant silence before applauding, depending on the music.

Dwight Pounds and Viola Congress's Photo Exhibic