JAVS Summer 1998

72

ABOUT VIOLISTS

In Memoriam

On 7 September 1998, Nathan Gordon, one of the world's leading viola virtuosos and a dear friend of mine, passed away in Boca Raton, Florida. Gordon died of congestive heart failure. He was born in ew York and was brought up in Cleveland, where he studied violin at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Later, Gordon studied violin with Hans Letz at the Juilliard School of Music in New York. While studying at Juilliard, he changed his major instrument ro the viola and later studied with William Prim rose. During his long and acrive career, he was a

member of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, principal violist with the Pittsburgh Symphony, associate principal with Toscanini's BC Symphony, principal with the Detroit and Chataqua symphonies. Gordon performed as soloist with all these orchestras many rimes. While a mem ber of the BC Symphony, he was also a member of the Mischakoff Quartet and the NBC Quartet. For many years, he was also violist with the Kroll Quartet and appeared as a guest artist with the Budapest Quartet. While principal violist in Detroit, Gordon founded the Dearborn Symphony and con ducted it for rwemy-five years. He was also Regional Director of "Outreach" in Michigan. athan Gordon made numerous recital appearances throughout the United States and Europe in collaboration with his wife, soprano Marjorie Gordon. They also collaborated with their son, the outstanding horn player Peter Gordon, in many concertS. Gordon was an active reacher throughout his life and taught many of this country's finest young violisrs. Among his students were Michael Ouzounian, principal violist, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra; Kim Kashkashian, solo recitalist and recording arrisr; and Darrel Barnes, for mer principal of both the Sr. Louis and Indianapolis Orchestras. Gordon was a wonderful peda gogue, bringing a wealth of experience ro his reaching as a soloist, orchestral player, chamber musician, and as a teacher. His warm and engaging personality endeared him both to his stu dentS and everyone who knew him. During his career he taught at Wayne Stare University, Carnegie Tech, Chatham College, Duquesne University, Interlochen, and Indiana University. Nathan Gordon's rone on the viola was ideal--deep, rich, and warm. His technique was all encompassing. He was able ro play the most difficult works with the greatest of ease. Works such as the Barr6k, Walron , and Hindemith concerti posed no problems for him. During most of his career Gordon played his Gasparo da Salo viola. I've never known a finer violist or human being than " ar" Gordon. He will be greatly missed. Those wishing ro contribute ro the Nathan Gordon Scholarship Fund ar ASTA may send contributions ro The athan Gordon Scholarship Fund ASTA 1806 Robert Fulron Dr. Suire 300 Resron, VA 20191

Robert Glazer, nationally known violist and recording arrisr Bergenfield, ew Jersey