Season 3 Episode 4: Frank Morelli

Legends of Reed

On this episode I am very pleased to share my interview with one of most renowned American bassoonists, Mr. Frank Morelli.

He is the first bassoonist awarded a Juilliard doctorate, and has been a Carnegie Hall soloist nine times. He performed at the last White House State Dinner for President Clinton and is Co-principal bassoon of the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. Faculty positions include Juilliard, Yale, Manhattan School of Music, SUNY Stony Brook and Queens College. His over 180 recordings include MSR Classics solo CDs From the Heart, Romance and Caprice, Bassoon Brasileiro and Baroque Fireworks. Gramophone Magazine proclaimed that "Morelli's playing is a joy to behold." American Record Guide stated: "the bassoon playing...is as good as it gets."

We speak about his teaching philosophy, his musical journey and being one of the first bassoonists to have a "portfolio career", his musical influences, his favourite memories playing with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, his foray into jazz with the album "The Ox-Mo Incident", his thoughts on the classical music industry and tips for the future generation of classical musicians, what he would like to be remembered for and even what the "theme song" of his life would be.

Visit his website at www.morellibassoon.com