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Before the Music Stopped THE LIFE OF A PROFESSIONAL MUSICIAN, 1965–2000 BY DYL AN BREWER
Peter Bassano’s latest book Before the Music Stopped recounts his memories and thoughts on a stylistically broad and hugely successful career as a trombonist, teacher, and conductor. Written much in the same style of music critic John Amis’s book My Music in London 1945–2000, Peter reflects on both the serious and humorous sides of his development as a musician, ranging from his formative years as a boy in The Salvation Army to his time with orchestras, pop groups, Early Music ensembles and teaching at the Royal College of Music. Each chapter is a stand-alone read, underpinned by the author’s knowledge of Western Art Music. Despite the often deliciously indiscreet nature of this book, it is perhaps best understood as a useful historical document of the music industry over the last 40 years and a source of inspiration for people developing their work in our movement. Ostensibly a memoir, this book will strike a personal chord with many brass players who have worked in the UK over the last 50 years. I enjoyed reading hilarious accounts of the actions of hugely personable trombonists, with whom I was lucky enough to work in the twilight of their careers, such as the Roger Brenner and Roger Groves, in addition to the many musicians I was inspired by such as the trombone section of the New Philharmonia Orchestra (Peter was a member from 1973 with Arthur Wilson and Ray Premru). The book also addresses the changing fortunes of those working in the music industry including rates of pay, attitudes of musicians towards the maestro conductors of yesteryear, and even the societal acceptance of smoking in rehearsals. Peter’s description of the Polish trombonist, Alfred Flaszyinski, smoking during a rehearsal whilst using a cigarette holder (in almost mock Matinee idol hero-like manner) is now engrained in my memory. Hilarity is always present. I was bent double with laughter on reading about ground-breaking early music expert David Munrows’s octopus-like bagpipe playing,
and Frank Mathieson’s lack of sympathy for a twisted testicle, endured whilst Peter slept in an uncomfortable bed during a gruelling tour. Another equally funny recollection was of Flaszyinski asking Stockhausen if a performance of the composer’s music would be better with the lights turned off … By contrast, I was moved by Peter’s tearful recollection of David Munrow’s death, and it was a joy to read about Bassano’s long association with John Elliot Gardiner and lifelong devotion to the study of historically informed performance. Clearly Peter, alongside other similar highly regarded academic musicians, has ensured that the training in conservatoires and universities results in a more stylistically informed generation than 40 years ago. Both the title and conclusion may raise a question to some: despite the challenges of the pandemic, many high-profile musicians continue to be busy. Peter raises a heartfelt concern for the future of musicians in general, as a hugely experienced, caring teacher and someone who has helped shape successful and varying musical paths for his former students and friends alike. Peter’s career spanned a golden age for musicians, with countless recordings, film music, the birth of the Early Music movement, and relatively well-paid work. Perhaps, a ray of hope is that music appears to be adapting and continuing to evolve. The artists who create music continue to work around political problems and raise awareness during pandemics and wars. Peter clearly states his admiration for the conductor Yevgeny Svetlanov and discusses working with cellist and conductor, Mstislav Rostropovich. Evidently, both were aware of the ability of music to break down ideological barriers through their collaboration with Orchestras from both the West and the former USSR. As the world struggles with the pandemic and conflict, the ability of music to heal and forge friendships is as pertinent now as it was during the timeline of this book. Dylan Brewer is a Devon based trombonist and teacher, and BTS Southwest Representative. ◆
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