The Black Horn: The Story of Classical French Hornist Robert Lee Watt (African American Cultural Theory and Heritage)
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | 4.18 (541 Votes) |
| Asin | : | 1442268719 |
| Format Type | : | paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 300 Pages |
| Publish Date | : | 2013-09-07 |
| Language | : | English |
DESCRIPTION:
Robert Lee Watt studied French horn at the New England Conservatory of Music with Harry Shapiro of the Boston Symphony. In 1970, he was hired by the Los Angeles Philharmonic as assistant first French horn under maestro Zubin Mehta.
(International Musician)Certainly there is wisdom to be imparted by a musician of Watt’s experience. Watt’s stories of transcending racial and class discrimination are especially edifying. (Fanfare Magazine)Robert Lee Watt didn’t allow racial stereotypes and the low expectations of others to hold him back. Nothing is left to the imagination. (Los Angeles Review of Books)The Black Horn: The Story of Classical French Hornist Robert Lee Watt tells the story of the first African American French hornist hired by a major symphony in these United States. Black Horn takes on the life of Watt with raw honesty, humor, and d
Today, few African Americans hold chairs in major American symphony orchestras, and Watt is the first in many years to write about this uniquely exhilarating—and at times painful—experience. Watt also documented his struggles as a student at a nearly all-white major music conservatory, as well as his first job in a major symphony orchestra after the conservatory canceled his scholarship.Watt subsequently chronicles his triumphs and travails as a musician when confronting the realities of race in America and the world of classical music. He faced opposition from within the community—where the instrument was deemed by Watt’s father a “middle instrument suited only for thin-lipped white boys”—and from without. This book will surely interest any classical musician and student, particularly those of color, seeking to grasp the sometimes troubled history of being the only “black horn.”. Even the author’s own father, who played trumpet, sought to dissuade the young classical musician in the making. The Black Horn chronicles the upbringing of a young boy fascinated by the sound of the F
"Staying at the top." according to James Lewis. A very personal and interesting account of the man and what he went through to live his dream in an often time very difficult series of situations.. A good read! A true story of a man's inspiration and challenges to become a black orchestral horn player A good read! Alan Medak A true story of a man's inspiration and challenges to become a black orchestral horn player 40 years ago, when playing classical music was thought to be only for white musicians. He speaks warmly of his highly influential teacher in Boston, Harry Shapiro. His detailed descriptions of preparing and taking auditions will speak to all musicians, young and old, though few musicians can relate to his making the finals of two major symphonies within a single week. Stories about orchestra and studio politics and prejudice are blunt and their message obvious. Along the way there are . 0 years ago, when playing classical music was thought to be only for white musicians. He speaks warmly of his highly influential teacher in Boston, Harry Shapiro. His detailed descriptions of preparing and taking auditions will speak to all musicians, young and old, though few musicians can relate to his making the finals of two major symphonies within a single week. Stories about orchestra and studio politics and prejudice are blunt and their message obvious. Along the way there are . French Horn is my favorite brass instrument You know, I love classical music, and I'm also a bit of a film score geek. When I was a kid, the saxophone was my favorite horn. But then I saw Out of Africa and Dances with Wolves (both scores by John Barry, by the way) and that big bold powerful sound that lifts your spirit while you're looking out over the vast landscapes in both of those movies that's the French Horn. So, yeah, I'm a fan.Well, I was running an errand during my lunch break today, and drove a few blocks west to the ocean to soak in a little balmy sun. On my way back to my car, I struck up a brief convers