Klarinet Archive - Posting 000329.txt from 2001/03

From: MVinquist@-----.com
Subj: [kl] Alexander Williams
Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2001 07:51:16 -0500

Gary Van Cott asks:
>Can anyone help with this request?

>Name: john Williams
>
>Request: I am looking for an old copy of the magazine, The Clarinet, the
>spring issue of 1956, which features my father, Alexander Williams, on the
>cover. He played in the New York Philharmonic (1932-48), and in the NBC
>Symphony (48-55).

Gary -

I have 2 copies of the 1956 Clarinet Magazine with Alexander Williams on the
cover. I'll gladly let his son have one of them. I studied with Mr.
Williams when I was in the West Point Band in 1967-68 and learned a lot from
him. He was a great store of knowledge, both about the clarinet and about
playing in the NY Philharmonic and the NBC Symphony. I would go to his house
in Fort Lee, NJ, and we would work in his living room. I wish I had his A
clarinet -- he let me try it once, and it was the best instrument I ever
played. He told me that he played Eb clarinet in the NY Philharmonic, using
a silver H. Bettony instrument. I found one just last month, had it cleaned
up, and it really plays. I think of him when I play it. He also told me
that he played the solo in the NBC Symphony recording of the Pines of Rome
that has been reissued. Beautiful stuff.

Someone said on the list recently that he is still alive and living on the
west coast. I don't know whether he will remember me, but have John Williams
give him my best.

Best regards.

Ken Shaw

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Unsubscribe from Klarinet, e-mail: klarinet-unsubscribe@-----.org
Subscribe to the Digest: klarinet-digest-subscribe@-----.org
Additional commands: klarinet-help@-----.org
Other problems: klarinet-owner@-----.org