A request of brass players: when playing Romantic era showpieces (Peskin, Brandt, Clarke, Hohne, Bozza, etc.) the slow sections, often near the beginning of these pieces, should be played as if you were trying to impress a girl or boy with your wit, charm and sexiness on a first date and should never sound like you are reading Wotan’s soliloquy from Wagner’s, Die Walkure. 2/21
Mel Broiles: Gunga Din
On a Saturday evening in 1995, I received a call from the orchestra manager telling me that Mel was sick and that I had to come in to play the Saturday night performance. I thought he was kidding. Mel had never called in sick in 37 years!
Mel Broiles: Strauss Operas
Mel played 1st trumpet at the MET as if he were starring in his own movie.
Spotlight on Mel. Everyone was there to hear him. The Strauss operas provided Mel with the perfect vehicle for his star turn.
Mel Broiles: I Love This Job
Mel Broiles was opera’s biggest fan. His enthusiasm was remarkable and was expressed in many different ways. Mel was the first person at the opera house in the morning before rehearsal and he was always the last musician to leave the pit after the evening’s opera performance. The MET was Mel’s second home.
Mel Broiles: Trumpet Warrior
Mel Broiles was born 4000 years too late. He was the reincarnation of Micenus, the mythical trumpeter immortalized in the Iliad, part of the personal retinue of the great Trojan warrior, Hector.
Mel Broiles: Opening
Mel Broiles was a great trumpet player. His playing was impeccable: accurate, exciting and dramatic. He was fearless.