Yesterday I had the opportunity to travel to Salt Lake City to hear Mr. Gene Pokorny, Principal Tuba for the Chicago Symphony, give a recital at the Libby Gardener Concert Hall, University of Utah. After the lesson and master class I had with him last week it was a wonderful opportunity to see his techniques in action. He started of the concert with a wonderful transcription of a movement of a Bach violin concerto, which sounded absolutely spectacular on his F tuba. He also played Monument, a piece dedicated to the memory of Tommy Johnson, a beautiful elegy for a wonderful tuba player. I found it amusing that he also included an excerpt "Jabba the Hut" from Star Wars' "Return of the Jedi" which came off as a pretty good solo piece. I was also very impressed with his ability to fill the hall. It was really just a wash of wonderful tuba sound. His technique and tone are absolutely inspiring. His execution of Anthony Plog's Nocturne and Sonata for Tuba were phenomenal.
I think that the thing that impressed me most of all was his respect for the memory of Maurice Abravanel. When he came out for his encore, he spoke briefly of his experiences with the Utah Symphony in the early 80's; it was evident by the emotion in his voice that it was a very special time in his life. I was impressed with the amount of respect he had for those who had played before and with him in that ensemble, and the fact that he dedicated the first of his encore pieces to these retired members of the Utah Symphony. All I can say is that it was a wonderful evening of music from one of the greatest musicians I have ever personally met.
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