 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ralph G
Date: 2004-12-07 19:50
We lost a giant, that's for sure.
Those famous Mercury recordings of the Eastman ensemble were before my time, but I remember his picture inside our music folders when I was a beginner. Even without really knowing who he was, I figured he must've been a somebody.
________________
Artistic talent is a gift from God and whoever discovers it in himself has a certain obligation: to know that he cannot waste this talent, but must develop it.
- Pope John Paul II
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Author: BobD
Date: 2004-12-07 23:06
Certainly a significant loss to the symphonic band community. RIP Freddy.
Bob Draznik
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Author: clarinetist04
Date: 2004-12-08 00:02
Oh man, what a great tragedy. I am fairly young, but even I have read about this man's pioneering manner towards heightening the prestige of the wind ensemble. What a great loss. Truly his memories and dreams will live on.
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Author: Garret
Date: 2004-12-08 00:57
What an amazing man he was.
another good link:
http://www.dws.org/ffennell.htm
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2004-12-08 03:19
Hi Everyone,
I was saddened to learn of Fennell's death; the symphonic wind ensemble community has lost a true champion.
Fennell's Bio-Discography "Ffortissimo" is a terrific piece of band history. I just opened my copy to the page that lists the EWE roster for 1959-1960. In the clarinet section are such names as Combs, Hadcock, Ludewig, Zoro,and Bay; Roger Bobo is on tuba.
Fennell's exceptional arrangements of Sousa marches are among the best of band literature.
HRL
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Author: John J. Moses
Date: 2004-12-08 03:53
Fred was a friend of mine from Interlochen days.
This is a letter I received today that I am posting, with permission.
A letter from Cathy Fennell Martensen:
I want you, and the greater music community to know that my father died peacefully in his sleep early this morning, Tuesday, December 7, 2004. Elizabeth and I were by his side. I had promised him that I would do all I could to get him back to Siesta Key so he could watch the sun set over the ocean. With the help of Hospice, he arrived home in time to see the brilliant orange and pinks in the western skies last evening. A bit before Midnight, dad told me he was "frustrated and disappointed." When I asked him,"Why?" he replied, "There`s no drummer here yet. I can`t die without a drummer!" I told him that I loved him, and that "Heaven`s best drummer was on the way." Moments later he said, "I hear him! I hear him! I`m OK now." This was my final conversation with my dad.
I was blessed to be able to dress my father in his finest set of tails after he died, complete with the usual struggle with his tie. Elizabeth asked if he could be "dressed up" and I could think of nothing finer for a lasting memory. Dad asked to be cremated and that I scatter his ashes in the woods at Interlochen, Michigan this summer. This, of course, I will do.
Elizabeth is OK at this point. We are closely watching her, monitoring her blood sugar levels and seeing that she gets the diet and rest she needs after such a life transition.
There will be a small Memorial Service at a church in Siesta Key. No date or time has been set yet. As knowledge of my father`s death is communicated, please keep both Elizabeth and me in your prayers.
Fondly > Cathy Fennell Martensen
Feel free to forward this email.
JJM
Légère Artist
Clark W. Fobes Artist
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Author: graham
Date: 2004-12-08 08:12
The man is a giant, for sure; but it cannot be a tragedy, or sad, that a man of 90 years moves on. He had given what he had to give. He does not constitute a "great loss" at this stage.
When Schubert died, that was a great loss.
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Author: Don Poulsen
Date: 2004-12-08 14:33
I'm fortunate to have seen him conduct the Dallas Wind Symphony 10 years ago in the premiere season of the American Music Festival in Duncan, OK when I lived there. I would almost characterize his conducting style as dancing on the podium.
According to the email notification of his death that I received from the conductor of one of the groups I play with, there was a recent effort to have him honored in the Kennedy Center Honors, but the chances of that happening, I would guess, have slipped away.
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Author: Ralph G
Date: 2004-12-08 15:03
JJM,
At my wind symphony rehearsal last night, our conductor read us that same letter. Quite moving!
________________
Artistic talent is a gift from God and whoever discovers it in himself has a certain obligation: to know that he cannot waste this talent, but must develop it.
- Pope John Paul II
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Author: chuck
Date: 2004-12-11 02:49
I had the distinct pleasure of playing under Doctor Fennell back in '56 when I was on the staff of the Navy SOM in Washington. I can aattest to the magic of his leadership: got more music out of concert band in a one hour rehearsal than can be imagined. He was truly great. Chuck
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