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Paul Pincus, 1918-2005

Author: Ralph Katz
Date: 2005-10-24 01:41

Here is a story told to me by Paul Pincus at KlezKamp in 2001, which shows that there are still connections to artists who are long gone.

Paul got a degree in clarinet performance from Juilliard, where he studied
with Leon Russianoff.

In the 1940's, he played whatever jobs he could get. One day, he got a call
from a band leader about a Jewish wedding the next day. The clarinet player wasn't that reliable - could Paul bring both his clarinet and his alto? If the other guy showed up, Paul would play alto. If he didn't, Paul would
play clarinet.

Paul showed up, but the other guy didn't, and Paul played clarinet.

During the first set, Paul looked out over the crowd while he played. There, sitting quietly in the corner, was Mr. Russianoff's teacher, Simeon Bellison.

Paul said he was not usually nervous when he performed, but he was then,
although he got through the rest of the set just fine.

As they finished up the set, Paul looked again. Mr. Bellison was beckoning
for Paul to come over and talk with him.

Apparently, Mr. Bellison was not familiar with Jewish clarinet playing
style. He said to Paul, "You play very well. How do you do that?"

Paul answered, "I don't know, I just play." All he could say at the time.

From what little I knew of him, he spent his entire career performing and teaching in the New York City area - operas, musicals, recordings, big bands, and weddings. He was one of the "old masters" at KlezKamp, still a great player in his 80's, and a great guy.

Regards,

Ralph

----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, October 23, 2005 4:49 PM
Subject: Paul Pincus (1918-2005)
>
> Our dear friend clarinetist/sax player Paul Pincus died last night in
> the wake of a stroke. He was about to be released to home care when
> his heart failed. He was 87.
>
> I spoke to him a few days ago and he was his usually funny, upbeat
> and sweet dispositioned self. And despite his illness, terribly
> excited about coming to this year's KlezKamp.
>
> They didn't get any greater than Paul Pincus.
>
==================================
> Henry Sapoznik
> Executive Director
> Living Traditions
> KlezKamp: The Yiddish Folk Arts Program
> www.klezkamp.org

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