William Vacchiano (1912–2005) was principal trumpet with the New York Philharmonic from 1942 to 1973, and taught at Juilliard, the Manhattan School of Music, the Mannes College of Music, Queens College, and Columbia Teachers College. While at the Philharmonic, Vacchiano performed under the batons of Arturo Toscanini, Bruno Walter, Dimitri Mitropoulos, and Leonard Bernstein and played in the world premieres of almost 200 pieces by such composers as Vaughan Williams, Copland, and Barber. Vacchiano was important not only for his performances, but also for his teaching.His students have held the principal chairs of many major orchestras and areprominent teachers themselves, and they have enriched non-classical music as well. Two of his better known students are Miles Davis and Wynton Marsalis.
Last Stop, Carnegie Hall features an overview of the life of this very private artist, based on several personal interviews conducted by Brian A. Shook and Vacchiano's notes for his own unpublished memoir. Shook also interviewed many of his students and colleagues and includes a chapter containing their recollections. Other important topics include analyses of Vacchiano's pedagogical methods and his interpretations of important trumpet pieces, his 'rules of orchestral performance,' and his equipment. A discography, a bibliography of Vacchiano's own works, and lists of his students and the conductors and players with whom he performed round out this richly illustrated examination of one of the most influential trumpet players and teachersof the twentieth century.
About the Author :
BRIAN A. SHOOK is assistant professor of music (trumpet) at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. From 2004 to 2009 he toured the United States with The King's Brass, and since 2009 has been principal trumpet of the Symphony of Southeast Texas. He earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Arizona State University. WYNTON MARSALIS (foreword) is a legendary trumpet player from New Orleans.
Review :
"William Vacchiano, one of the great orchestral trumpet players, was a prolific teacher, lovely gentleman, personal mentor, selfless encourager, a man of great wisdom, and a terrific storyteller! I can still hear that 'Vacchiano sound'-- big, dark, round, and vibrant!"
--Philip Smith, Principal Trumpet, New York Philharmonic
"I had a lot of lessons with Bill Vacchiano, but that evening he taught me the things I have reflected on most as the years have passed. If your internal life is happy, you are happy. Pay attention to the loved ones around you. I went over there for a one-hour lesson, but instead he gave me more than an hour could possibly hold. Thinking about that night, about me and him in his lonely house, still brings tears to my eyes."--from the Foreword by Wynton Marsalis
"I have just finished reading Last Stop, Carnegie Hall and there are still tears in my eyes as I remember my experiences with Bill, tears of joy at reading statements of simple wisdom, musical anecdotes and life lessons; there are as well, tears of happiness that Shook's work introduces the public to a man who affected the musical shape of nearly all the major orchestras in North America, South America, and even Europe."--Ronald Romm, Professor of Trumpet, founding member, Canadian Brass
"The book is rich with stories, musical examples, remembrances, and photographs. It represents the most original research to date on Vacchiano."--Anne Hardin, co-author of Inside John Haynie's Studio
