Horn Player Releases Memoir Of Orchestral Career
Through the Door: A Horn-Player’s Journey by David Krehbiel
Book Synopsis
Dave Krehbiel’s fast-moving memoir, Through the Door: A Horn-Player’s Journey, relates the adventures of a young musician who uses his musical talents to cover up his scholastic shortcomings. In doing so, he finds himself, miraculously, in the career of his dreams-playing principal horn for Chicago, Detroit, and San Francisco symphony orchestras.
When the door opens for him, he finds himself in his first job, playing assistant principal horn for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra where he faces constant intimidation by its maestro, Fritz Reiner. He also finds himself plagued by a crippling performance anxiety so great that on occasion he almost wishes he would be in a traffic accident on his way to Symphony Hall rather than face performing that night.
Survival in his new career means learning to control his anxiety. While sharing the innovative ways in which he gains confidence and learns to manage his fear, he leads us on an exhilarating musical adventure where he brings to life the joys and challenges of performing his favorite orchestral works with famous conductors and composers and develops a memorable bond with Paul Hindemith. The pranks he plays break the tension of constant performing and may be seen as veiled lessons reminiscent of Strauss’s fifteenth century folk-hero, Till Eulenspiegel.
“I’d rather be scared to death than bored to death,” Krehbiel quips, and with intelligent humor he inspires us to face, without fear, whatever lessons are on the other side of the doors the universe opens to us.
Testimonials
Dave’s devotion to expressing music’s emotion is what has always set him apart. A must-read for any music lover. ‒ Robert Ward, San Francisco Symphony
This brought back memories of David’s artistry. In the stories are musical, horn, and life lessons and wisdom. ‒ Gail Williams, Chicago Symphony
Dave relates a humorous yet moving story. In many places, I had to stop reading because I laughed so hard I had tears in my eyes! – Anthony Plog, composer
Hilarious, moving, and full of great stories and life lessons. A fantastic, fun read! ‒ Don Greene, peak performance psychologist
Dave is a great horn player and human being. He shares tricks of the trade and thoughts on finding balance in life, teaching, and performing. ‒ Frøydis Ree Wekre, Professor emerita
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