In this archived interview, recorded in 2016, James Newcomb speaks with Bernard Adelstein, former principal trumpet of the Cleveland Orchestra, for a wide-ranging conversation on musicianship, discipline, and life inside one of the world’s most exacting orchestras.
Mr. Adelstein reflects on his early start as a teenage professional during World War II, the harsh realities of auditions and daily life in American orchestras during the 1950’s and 60’s, and what it was like to perform under legendary conductors such as Fritz Reiner and George Szell.
Along the way, he offers candid insights on leadership, precision, humility, and why music critics so often miss the point of that which they’re critiquing entirely.
Topics Discussed
Entering the Pittsburgh Symphony at age sixteen
Learning musicianship during World War II
Performing under Fritz Reiner and George Szell
Life inside the Cleveland Orchestra during its golden era
Touring, recording, and winning major awards
The realities and absurdities of orchestral auditions
Why critics matter less than musicians think
Playing The Rite of Spring then and now
Keywords: Bernard Adelstein, Cleveland Orchestra, principal trumpet, orchestral trumpet, George Szell, Fritz Reiner, classical music history, professional musicianship, orchestral life
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