Rolf Smedvig - RIP

ghsdirector · Veteran Member Joined: 22 Oct 2008 Posts: 220

I just unliked NPR on Facebook.

Furthermore, I have been shocked and saddened by this sad news just like everyone else. I met him in Atlanta. I found him to be very engaging and fun to talk to. He sought me out and started the conversation! He was a class act and an incredible player. My condolences to his family, colleagues, and friends.

These have been rough times in the trumpet world.

ltkije1966 · Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2015 6:32 am Post subject:

ctindel · New Member Joined: 28 Apr 2015 Posts: 10

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nieuwguyski · Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2015 12:13 am Post subject:

I attended the Tanglewood Brass Quintet program in 1986, when the Empire Brass Quintet were artists in residence. I had the opportunity to hear Mr. Smedvig's sound every week.

What a loss to the trumpet world.
_________________
J. Notso Nieuwguyski

craig garner · Regular Member Joined: 15 Jan 2009 Posts: 19

About 10-11 years ago, I had the privilege of meeting Rolf. At the time, I had been arranging quintet music for a few years and I was getting pretty serious about it. I loved Empire's arrangements, and I thought Rolf (and the rest of Empire) were fantastic arrangers. I asked Rolf if he would look at some of my arrangements and give me some pointers. He was BEYOND generous with his time and very much encouraged me to keep writing and push the envelope for brass repertoire. And, we kept in touch for many years.

One summer, the Triton Brass was performing a few of my arrangements at the BU Tanglewood Institute in Lenox. My entire quintet, plus spouses, traveled to attend the concert. I also invited Rolf to attend the concert, which he did! Before the concert, he took all of us out to dinner, with his wife and kids. We talked music for hours. He introduced us all to everyone he knew at the concert…..which was practically EVERYONE. The next morning, he invited me to his home, where I had breakfast with his family. He gave me a tour of the Empire website “office,” we toured the massive studio at his home, and he even waked me through a barn where there were hundreds, if not thousands of arrangements for brass by Rolf and his father. Then we sat and talked about writing and arranging music for brass. His passion for his art was unmistakable. He was an amazing teacher and motivator. I still cannot believe how much time, knowledge and insight he gave to me. It was an experience of a lifetime, and one I will never forget.

Here is a great quote (one of my favorites) from a young Rolf, in a 1987 article:
Only one thing perturbs this gregarious, almost impish, brass virtuoso. He resents the second-class status a trumpeter enjoys compared to the real virtuosi, the violinists and pianists.
"It annoys me a lot. Because I think trumpet playing is more difficult than playing a violin. Just blowing a brass instrument is a lot of work," he said. "Before I go on a tour, I have to go into physical training just to keep in shape. As an instrument, the trumpet is much more unpredictable, and everything depends on delicate facial muscle."

Don’t we all believe this to be true?!?! Thanks, Rolf. You were one of the very best. And we will all miss you.
_________________
Craig Garner
Dorm 40 Music
www.dorm40music.com

ctindel · New Member Joined: 28 Apr 2015 Posts: 10

mavrian22 · Veteran Member Joined: 12 Feb 2009 Posts: 147

"Typical NPR presentation. Though the article is short, they found the space to make sure and mention that he was accused of sexism though the example given hardly shows that IMO. (I am sick and tired of NPR these days)" et al.

You can get mad all you want at NPR, they're just reporting the facts. An obit doesn't owe anything about being nice to people. You think Clinton's obit won't include Lewinsky?
It was a major controversy. It actually was an impetus for Susan Slaughter founding the International Women's Brass Conference.
http://www.iwbc2014.com/

trumpet56 · Heavyweight Member Joined: 16 Jun 2010 Posts: 623

I guess even our heroes are fallible. We all possess a 'dark side', its called being human. Rolf was a great trumpet player, lets remember and celebrate his talent and achievements. RIP Rolf.

joetrumpet2 · Posted: Wed May 06, 2015 2:48 am Post subject:

I heard him on the classical FM station driving to work, and had to sit in the car while the work played through......then bought the Empire Brass Gabrielli CD. Great sound, great trumpeter.

joetrumpet2 · Posted: Wed May 06, 2015 2:51 am Post subject:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olIrf-uioD8

tpter1 · Heavyweight Member Joined: 17 Jun 2004 Posts: 1194

That's a great recording. Who is the 2nd brass group playing on that?
_________________
-Glenn Roberts
"Character is the backbone of human culture, and music is the flowering of human character". -Confucious

jrogan · Regular Member Joined: 20 Feb 2013 Posts: 11

I got to see him in Melbourne a couple of years ago... he will be remembered for years to come, and his recordings will be listened to by the next generations!