David Mason R.I.P.

[rodney_h_d]

There was a notice in The Times on Saturday of the death of David Mason. I understand that after some time with the Royal Opera House Orchestra, he joined the RPO where he became principal trumpet. Perhaps he was there the only time I heard Beecham conduct - but I think I remember him mainly from his years with the Philharmonia during some of its most celebrated years. I haven't dug out my programmes but that would have included the Klemperer era. No doubt some brass experts will have more to add.

[Alison]

See entry in wikipedia for a few more details.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_M...trumpet_player)

[LeMartinPecheur]

"Penny Lane" will certainly secure him an immortality granted to few orchestral trumpeters

[Chris Newman]

I always remember David Mason in those Philharmonia and New Philharmonia Mahler symphonies conducted by Otto Klemperer who being in his eighties would often run out of energy. One could visibly observe DM looking after the brass and Gareth Morris the woodwinds. Hugh Bean would "conduct" the leaders of the string sections with either his head or his right foot (he crossed his legs when playing). DM's connection with the Beatles is legendary, he often conducted student ensembles and must have coached almost every professionial trumpeter in modern Britain.

[Ventilhorn]

David Mason was one of the star pupils of the late Ernest Hall and his teaching and coaching would have carried on Ernest's teaching to another generation. It is very sad to learn of his death - he contributed so much to British orchestral trumpet playing style, with a clear sound and unerring accuracy.

His legacy is the fine standard of trumpet playing in British orchestras today

R.I.P

vh