This month, the IHS E-Newlsetter has a special treat for you, a piece of correspondence between two legends, Hungarian soloist and pedagogue, Ádám Friedrich, and Philip Farkas (of Hungarian ancestry himself.) The two met and got to know each other at the IHS symposium in Denton, Texas in 1991. You can clearly see his personal warmth and appreciation of sincere musicality in these lines. Many thanks to Prof. Ádám Friedrich for sharing this gem with us. (Note that Hungarians list their last name first, which is why the letter starts with “Dear Friedrich!”)
PHILIP F. FARKAS
2232 East Cape Cod Drive
Bloomington, Indiana 47401
(812) 332-6543
October 4, 1991
Dear Friedrich,
What a happy surprise it was when your nice letter and photograps arrived yesterday. I am so pleased to have these souvenirs of our meeting in Denton, Texas at the Horn Workshop.
The photos not only reminded me that I now have a new friend… you, but also it reminds me of the way you play the horn. Yours was the most sensitive and musical performance of all the players. Some of them „showed off” with their wonderful technique, range, etc. But often I found it unsatisfactory in spite of this virtuosity. Why? Because it wasn’t always musical. Your playing was the most satisfying of all with your warm and expressive phrasing. It was musically very satisfying. I hope to hear you again and again, as to me this is the real sense of beautiful horn playing. The photos I will treasure. I enjoy your laugh at my making you pose for the embouchure photo. After all it is important to know about the embouchure that creates such great playing.
Please don’t worry about my not coming to Hungary. I realise what very difficult financial problems are faced in Hungary at this time. But one of these days my wife and I will take a holiday in Hungary as I feel very strongly the urge to see my father’s homeland. And now we have one more incentive to come to Hungary – our new friend Friedrich Ádám.
You did not say in your letter whether you will attend the next horn workshop in Manchester, England. But I hope very fervently that you will plan to attend. I would look forward to this very eagerly.
Again, thanks for your thoughfulness in sending the letter and pictures. I appreciate it very much.
My best regards and good wishes go with this letter.
Cordially,
Phil Farkas
