Last Stop, Carnegie Hall: New York Philharmonic Trumpeter William Vacchiano

North Texas Lives of Musician Series, Book 6

By: Brian A. Shook

Narrated by: Douglas R Pratt

Length: 4 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

William Vacchiano (1912 - 2005) was principal trumpet with the New York Philharmonic from 1942 to 1973. While at the Philharmonic, Vacchiano performed under the batons of Arturo Toscanini, Bruno Walter, Dimitri Mitropoulos, and Leonard Bernstein, and played in the world premieres of almost 200 pieces by such composers as Vaughan Williams, Copland, and Barber. Vacchiano was important not only for his performances, but also for his teaching. Two of his better known students are Miles Davis and Wynton Marsalis.

Last Stop, Carnegie Hall features an overview of the life of this very private artist, based on several personal interviews conducted by Brian A. Shook and Vacchiano’s notes for his own unpublished memoir. Important topics include analyses of Vacchiano’s pedagogical methods and his interpretations of important trumpet pieces, his “rules of orchestral performance”, and his equipment.

The book is published by University of North Texas Press. The audiobook is published by University Press Audiobooks

©2012 Brian Shook (P)2020 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic reviews

“I have just finished reading Last Stop, Carnegie Hall and there are still tears in my eyes.” (Ronald Romm, Canadian Brass)

“The book is rich with stories, musical examples, remembrances, and photographs. It represents the most original research to date on Vacchiano.” (Anne Hardin, co-author of Inside John Haynie’s Studio)

“William Vacchiano, one of the great orchestral trumpet players, was a prolific teacher, lovely gentleman, personal mentor, selfless encourager, a man of great wisdom, and a terrific storyteller!” (Philip Smith, Principal Trumpet, New York Philharmonic)