tptshark

Hi Wilmer,

I have just been booked for a short run of the Sondheim show, 'Assassins'. I see you are on the cast album (a wonderful recording - gorgeous trumpet playing!), but i also heard that it was performed with a much smaller orchestration. Did you perform in the performances as well?

What is your (and anyone elses, of course) opinion on the show, and in particular the score/trumpet part? Any tips, tricks, or thoughts, would be much appreciated.

All the best,
Adrian

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trumpetmike

I know i'm not Wilmer but I thought you might like a giggle - last time I played this show (and the only time) was in a prison!! - I honestly thought the fixer was having a laugh with me when I got the call - in a prison, playing Assassins

I will be honest, the security checks and herding that the band had to go through every performance were more taxing than the part was.

wiseone2

Assassins was originally a workshop production. There was a small group of players in this version, a trio as I recall. The show recording was re-orchestrated for a much larger group. I played Bb trumpet, C trumpet, and Cornet on the recording. We did not get the music early, that was sight-reading Most of the lyrical playing was done on cornet. I like this version.

The newest Broadway version is different, I would get the newest cast album
Paul Gemignani is the conductor on both recordings. His son, Alexander, is in the new version. He's a trumpet player/actor He used to sit with me in the pit when he was a kid. Alexander will be starring in Les Miserables in the fall.
Wilmer

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Be sure Brain is engaged before putting Mouthpiece in gear.
S.Suark 1951

tptshark

Thanks Wilmer!
I look forward to checking out the newest cast recording.

I'll try out using a cornet in parts - we are performing in a small, intimate theatre, and i think that idea will work a treat.

Cheers!
-Adrian

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trumpetmike

In the version I was playing from (which I suspect is the modern one) the part required trumpet and flugel.

wiseone2

It wasn't THAT long ago
Wilmer

__________________
Be sure Brain is engaged before putting Mouthpiece in gear.
S.Suark 1951

wiseone2

While a member of the Baltimore Symphony, I was a reluctant participant in Spiro "Ted" Agnew's Inaugural Ball. Nixon was supposed to make an appearance, so there was heightened security. I freaked out the Secret Service guys, I was the only black face in the joint ......and I was carrying a strange bag.
It was a night to remember! Arthur Fiedler was there to conduct us. He donned a Fireman's hat during the performance The trumpet section was on high alert, we had to play Ruffles and Flourishes for the entrance of the President. That's where the fun began......we were given the cue to play the call at least three times. WRONG!!!!!! Fiedler had been sampling too much punch. What a mess, but unforgettable.
Wilmer

__________________
Be sure Brain is engaged before putting Mouthpiece in gear.
S.Suark 1951