MTT with Ian Bousfield in Vienna
“My life changed forever in June 1987 when I met Michael at the LSO. I was astonished by his brilliance, his glamour, and his humanity. He almost immediately befriended me and took me under his wing, guiding and supporting me to this day. So, I guess I was a pre-NWS fellow! Regardless of Michael’s artistic prowess, he stands out as being, without question, the finest educator I have ever experienced. Snappy Patter was written in 1997 – it’s an incredibly involved, twisting and turning ‘short ride’ for trombone.
The title probably relates to many things, but for sure one aspect is that I never stopped excitedly talking in LSO rehearsals – I think we shared a bit of a mischievous streak! The atmosphere back then was not just about great music but about fun and the love of life. Michael never assumed the role of “boss” and to this day remains the most respectful Chief Conductor I have ever experienced. If memory serves, Snappy Patter with its modern poppy, jazzy dance style was also written for Joshua to tap dance to – something we actually never did. Maybe it’s not too late!
It took me many years to work my way around the technical aspects of Snappy. The constant jumping around the registers presented me with many issues to deal with, and the relentless intensity and complexity have made it a winner with audiences. I definitely had to become a better player in order to perform it; it’s almost as if Michael knew what I needed to improve….. I wonder. I realize that with Michael having been almost ever present in my life for 37 years that I don’t actually have many photos of us together, but what I do have is this most wonderful post card memory that will always be with me and for generations of trombonists to come.”
—Ian Bousfield