Subject: Appreciation
Date: Mon, 16 Oct 2006
Dear Henry,
Like you when I was a child around the age of 7 (1948), I heard an accordion on the radio and pleaded with my Mother to show me what one looked like. I wanted to learn to play, and my Grandfather (a Swiss immigrant) liked the idea of me learning the accordion so helped me take lessons and learn the basics. I completely enjoyed learning to play a few waltzes and polkas and many other tunes, but alas, unlike you, I was extremely shy and afraid to play for other people. I was never very good at it anyway, so eventually my accordion made it's way into the closet. Now, I am close to 65 and was recently asked to play some tunes with a small group of other closet musicians. So, I have recently dusted of the old accordion to have a little fun.
Over the years I have listened to many accordion players such as Dick Contino, Art Van Damm, Myran Florin, and Frank Morroco and several others, but in an effort to hear some recently recorded music I found a reference to you on Google and made my way to your website.
I must say that when I listen to the sample sound bites of your music on your website, I just stopped in my tracks!!
I realize that you have been playing professionally for may years, and by now, you have no doubt heard every superlative in the English language to describe your fine skill and musicianship.
Well, I guess I'm a little late to the party, but better late than never. Like magic, you have raised the accordion to a new level of enjoyment for everyone.
I hope that I'm not boring you when I say "congratulations" on your fine accomplishment!
Today I ordered your Vaudeville cd!
Sincerely,
Brian Brennan
P.S. Do you think an old accordion player (that being me of course) can learn a few new tricks?
Subject: Appreciation
Date: Tuesday, 17 Oct 2006
Dear Brian,
Thank you for your thoughtful letter. I do not receive
laudations like yours every day! I hope you don't mind
if I put your letter on my Readers Letters page! I
haven't put up a new letter for a long time.
I was SUPER SHY when I was young. My first recital was
at the age of 8. I was supposed to play On Top of Old
Smokey. I was nervous as anything. It was at some sort
of hall. I was backstage suffering, then it was my
turn. I was pushed onto the stage under the bright
lights. I couldn't see any faces in the audience, as
the hall was dark and the lights in my eyes blinded
me.
I started to play, then made a mistake and had to
start over. Once again I made a mistake and started
over. I became soaked in sweat. My fingers became
slippery. My shirt was wet.
I don't believe I finished the piece. Finally the
stage hand had to tell me to stop and leave. There was
a smattering of applause, probably from my parents.
I never played again in public (except for family
picnics and parties, which I hated) for many years!
Not until 8th grade did I play in public again.
Yes, of course you can learn new tricks! I've several
students who played when young, then gave up the
accordion, and now that they're retired they've picked
it up again. Some of them live hundreds of miles away
and take lessons by speakerphone.
Henry
Subject: Vaudeville Accordion Classics
Date: Wed, 01 Nov 2006
Henry,
I've been listening to your Vaudeville CD and think it's
fantastic.
In the morning (normally when I can't think straight) I'll put your CD
on and then place two tea bags on my eyes then on top of that, my Zorro
mask to hold the bags in place and block the light... Then back to bed
to listen to one entire disc before I'm ready to greet the day!
It's
like the full on blockbuster accordion morning! Better than drugs, but
you've got to have the right tea bags. If my Mother were alive she
would be yelling at me to turn that thing off and get out of bed!
Your truly,
Brian Brennan
P.S. I tried some of those runs of yours on the keyboard, but my
fingers acted like cement with gause wrapped around them.
Subject: Your CDs
Date: January 9, 2006
Dear Henry,
I'm the guy who a month or so ago bought two of your CDs [Classical Accordion Recital and A Classical Christmas] and then a few weeks after that bought the same two again. You had a little note asking if these were Christmas gifts, and the answer is "no."
But I wanted to let you know what I'm doing with your wonderful music. I'm an accordion "fan" and when our classical music public radio station (WDPR) was having a fund raiser I pledged enough to provide an hour of music I choose, and that was "classical accordion music!"
I discovered you and your www on the "Closet Accordion Players" newsletter and when I ordered your classical music I added Christmas as well. I listened intently and I thoroughly love both of them.
I then had a meeting with the classical music DJ, and had him listen to both of your CDs. He was so impressed he asked me to leave them at the station because he would throw in some of the wonderful Christmas music during the holiday period. He also has to do some of the organizing of the hour on classical music which will be April the 15th.
Thanks for all your performances and information and please let me know if and when you will be having a gig somewhere around here.
Happy New Year.
Charlie Campbell
Dayton, Ohio
Subject: Your Butler County Symphony Performance
Date: Feb 18, 2005
Dear Mr. Doktorski,
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Butler County Symphony Association, I wish to express our appreciation for your contribution to our Sweet Suites concert on Saturday, February 12, 2005. Your performance of Tres Tangos was beautifully executed. Your collaboration with Evie Barnes was also much appreciated. We realize your efforts in [writing] the arrangements of the medley and applaud your musical talents.
The response to the concert has been very positive and we thank you for your part in making the evening such a success. We wish you continued success in your musical endeavors.
Sincerely,
Robert C. Shoemaker,
President, Butler County Symphony Association
Subject: Your Accordion Registrations Article
Date: Feb 8, 2005
Dear Mr. Doktorski:
Just a note to say thank you for your wonderfully informative accordion primer on the New Music Box website. It was fantastic to have all of the sound samples to compare.
I only wish I had your article on hand a year ago when I was commissioned to write an extensive work for accordion and piano for the Spanish group, Duo-Antifon. The work is finished and it's received performances in Madrid and Manchester thus far and the group plans to record at some point. I got some great tips from the group's accordionist Angel Luis Castano, but nowhere near as thorough as what you've helpfully provided.
I also e-mailed the American Accordionists Association for their thoughts on helpful texts, etc., but received not a single answer. Anyway, thank you again for such an interesting article. Keep up the great work.
Sincerely,
Sean Hickey, composer
Brooklyn, New York
www.seanhickey.com
Subject: Vaudeville Music
Date: Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Dear Mr. Henry Doktorski,
I was over a friend's house the other night and listened to your CD on Mr. Deiro. I never knew the accordion could play such a wide range of music. Naturally, when I think of the accordion, I always think of polkas and that guy who used to play on Lawrence Welk. I searched for your name on the internet; found your website, and decided to write you. I play an electronic keyboard for my own enjoyment and was wondering where I could purchase the musical sheets for some of the songs you played on your CD. I went to a music shop and saw some books on accordion music, but could not find the titles of your songs. I believe I can take the notes from the accordion's left hand and fit it in with the left hand of the keyboard. I especially liked that Queen March and My Florence.
Do you have any of the music sheets or copies available for purchase from your Vaudeville CD, or know where I can purchase them?
Regards,
"Tom"
REPLY:
Dear Tom,
Count Guido Roberto Deiro and I are working with a publisher to print the complete works of Guido Deiro. I am finished with the editing, and still have to proofread yet. We are hoping it will be available later this year.
Sincerely,
Henry
Subject: Butler Symphony Concert
Date: Saturday, January 15, 2005
Henry,
I have purchased a ticket for your performance with the Butler Symphony Orchestra next month, and am looking forward to it. My attendance depends on the weather report for that weekend. I really won't decide until Thursday PM that week, as it will be close to an 800-mile round-trip drive for me.
I haven't heard a live accordion performance for many years - and hope yours will be the first one of this year. I'm also planning to attend the Stas Venglevski performance in Skokie, Illinois in March - and the AAA competition in Dearborn, Michigan during July.
Joan G. Moyer
Indianapolis, Indiana
Subject: Your music
Date: Tues, Dec 21, 2004
Dear M° Henry Doktorski,
First of all, let me sincerely congratulate with you for the project and the realization of your CDs, that I have recently purchased (Vaudeville Accordion Classics, California Recitals, A Classical Christmas and Music by George Gershwin). I visited your web site - very rich and attractive indeed! - and I realized how wide is your repertoire. I am particularly interested in some of your scores (a photocopy would be fine, for those unpublished - if any):
- "Suite on Four Polish Carols" and "Jazz Fantasia on Carol of the Bells" for accordion and String Quartett
- "Gigue" for accordion and piano
- "Serenade" for accordion and harp.
I also would be grateful if you could send me the "Theme varié très brillant" by Louise Reisner and "Hymn" by Hovhaness as well.
Waiting for your kind reply, I take advantage of this opportunity for wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
With my best regards,
Alessandro Mugnoz
Professor of Accordion and Theory
Istituto Pareggiato "G.B.Pergolesi"
Ancona, Italy
REPLY:
Dear Professor Mugnoz,
Thank you for your kind words about my recordings and your interest in my music. Many of my original compositions are published by JANPRESS Publications, and those that are not can be ordered directly through me.
Sincerely,
Henry Doktorski
Subject: Your website and Florida Performance
Date: Wed, 24 Nov 2004
Henry,
I just took two hours to go through your website. Of course I've been in there before the Florida Accordion Association "SMASH" of 2004, but not to the degree I was this morning.
I've got to tell you that your website is most assuredly THE best accordionist's website I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. You have managed to include everything about yourself: your personal history, your accomplishments, many, many history lessons in music, how the instrument is used in different venues, etc. There are simply too many things to list; yet, somehow, you've managed to capture it all! I enjoyed reading all your fan mail! Nice touch!
What I thought was an extra nice touch, was your asking folks advice about what to do about the situation where you met a lady and felt like you blew an opportunity (see http://www.ksanti.net/free-reed/essays/rcbb.html). That was humbling, and gave us an insight into the complexity of Mr. Henry Doktorski!!!!
In being President of the Florida Accordion Association, I deal with headliners each year, and tend to develop relationships with them, through constant contact in pulling off the event with the headliner's final performance. I can't thank you enough for headling at the Florida Accordion Association SMASH of 2004 in Orlando! You are very easy to talk with, very easy to work with, and make friends easily, whether you recognize that or not. You not only thrilled the audience with your performance & history lesson on Guido Deiro, but you walked away with many, many new friends .... myself, included!
You have a wonderful heart, Henry. I noticed that one woman was not able to be there to see your performance, and when she was able to come back to our event later in the evening, you put your accordion on, after the fact, and played for her away from the crowd. This act of kindness didn't go unnoticed by me, and I'm here to tell you that most wouldn't do it.
Henry, I'm going to say this, for all it's worth, and hope you understand it. Henry, you are pretty cool !!!
You are always welcome in Florida, and I do hope you keep in touch.
Your friend,
Karen Adam, President
Florida Accordion Association
Subject: Deiro CD
Date: Mon, 29 Mar 2004
I received your Guido Deiro CD, Vaudeville Accordion Classics, a few days ago. It is very, very good.
Thank you for providing this auditory record of vaudeville accordion
literature! After reading that Guido performed in Detroit, I wondered if
my grandmother, who loved vaudeville, heard him perform here. (She is
one of the few people who heard Harpo Marx speak on stage. There was a
fire alert during a Marx brother performance here in Detroit. To calm
the crowd down, Harpo spoke--telling everyone to calm down. They were so
surprised to hear him speak that their attention was diverted from the
alarm.)
I also want to thank you for your Classical Free Reed web site. It is a
good resource. I recently got back into the accordion after being away
from it for almost 40 years. I played until I was 13 and then, in 1963
moved to the flute so that I could play in our high school band. I went
on to get a Bachelor of Music in Education (with a flute major) and have
been playing flute in various solo and ensemble capacities (Michigan
Flute Orchestra and the Rose Flute Ensemble). I have always loved sound,
power, and potential of the accordion. So a year ago I purchased an
Excelsior 980 (9 rows in the bass--3 free bass and 6 stradella).
Your web site has helped me get in touch with the accordion world.
I also enjoyed your article "Classical Squeezebox".
Thanks again for the quality work that you do.
Bob Stead
Dearborn, Michigan
Subject: Congratulations!
Date: Mon, 22 Mar 2004
Hi there Henry!!
Congratulations again for the fine presentation of the musical works of Guido Deiro at the Texas Accordion Association Festival in Dallas last week. I was very impressed with your playing and style. I look forward to hearing you perform again soon.
I hope you have many more opportunities to bring the music of Guido Deiro to the public's attention. He is deserving of the recognition and attention.
But YOU deserve it more!
Best wishes!
Rita Davidson
West Orange, New Jersey
Subject: Henry does Guido!!
Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2004
Dear Henry,
What a pleasure to meet you at the Texas Accordion Association annual convention last weekend in Dallas where I had the pleasure of hearing your lecture on Guido Deiro and your concert performance of his music!
I think you must be a reincarnation of Guido. It is as though your mission is to educate others on the Guido/Pietro legend..........or set it straight I should say.
When I watched you play, the feeling was so strong that you play with no difficulty or hesitation......that playing Guido's music is so natural to you (to me, maybe he is playing through you??). As though you have come back with his soul/spirit in you. Don't know how you feel about those reincarnation things...........but you were born six years after Guido died and it is as if you are out to set the record right as to what was done to him by his brother.
Mostly watching you play........I felt very touched and deeply moved. The ease with which you play is fascinating.
Sara Bichell
Dallas, Texas
Subject: still pushing repeat!
Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2004
Good Morning Henry,
Just wanted you to know I shared your/Guido's story with a friend of mine last night. Had her listen of course to my favorite tune in the car! Just wanted you to know the message is being passed on........and I just can't seem to move past Track 11 on side A!!!! (Diero Rag.....of course!)
I find myself humming the song during the day, it keeps me cheery and perky. I can accomplish a bunch when I feel that way! Thanks again.
Sara Bichell
Dallas, Texas
Subject: Guido Deiro CDs
Date: Mon, 9 Feb 2004
Hello Henry,
You have really done an excellent job when you recorded the complete works of Guido Deiro. Everyone who has heard your CDs here in Sweden are very enthusiastic. The booklet which is enclosed with the CDs is also interesting and well-made. Do you mind if I translate it into Swedish and publish it in the next issue of our monthly magazine Frosini-Deiro Bladet? Many Swedes do not read English very well. Hopefully this will sell more of the CDs.
Bernt Boström, editor
Frosini-Deiro Bladet
Stockholm, Sweden
Subject: NPR WNYC "The No Show"; Steve Post played Guido Deiro
Date: Fri, 6 Feb 2004
I thought you would be interested to know, if you don't already, that this evening, Friday, February 6 from 7 to 8 pm EST, Steve Post, the host of the widely popular "No Show" on the NPR radio station WNYC, played a superb selection of piano accordion music from your compact disc of music by Guido Deiro.
Steve delivered the usual parody of the piano accordion in a rather hilarious monologue about his study of the instrument for a year or so as a young boy, on his father's encouragement, in a voice rendition of the warhorse "My Bonnie" with the sounds of 'Oom-pa-pa' that he droned in the refrain. He mispronounced the Deiro surname badly, and he said Guido was a 'Count', while I understand that only his son was knighted. He did say Guido was married to Mae West.
But, the music was sublime.
Yours truly,
Dennis R. Fanucchi
Great Neck, New York
Subject: Double CD
Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2003
Dear Mr. Doktorski,
Thanks so much for the two CDs - Vaudeville Accordion Classics - which arrived last Saturday. The quality is superb, in every way, and the playing quite inspired. I feel the two CDs should be a 'Must-Have' for every accordion enthusiast.
I believe Count Deiro and yourself should be heartily congratulated, as well as Bridge Records, for completing such a complex undertaking in such a magnificent way.
Yours sincerely,
Roger Nightingale
Te Awamutu, New Zealand
Subject: Your New Guido Deiro Recordings
Date: Thu, 30 Oct 2003
Henry,
Thank you for the many wonderful things you've done and continue to do to
advance the art of the accordion. I'm 55 and took lessons during the
early/mid 60's. I still play but only a shadow of what I used to do. I
grew up hearing about many of the legendary figures, and have gotten even
more familiar by recently getting a copy of "The Golden Age of the
Accordion." It's so frustrating to hear the stories about what wonderful
players these people were but not be able to hear them. I have a Columbia
78 recording of Guido Deiro playing Pietro's Return. I listened to it time
after time as a young teenager while sitting in front of a full length
mirror so I could see my bass hand. I had only been playing a short time,
but was so moved by the sound of the bass solo that I persisted till I
could play it even though I had no idea what actual notes I was playing or
the left-hand layout. I added a note at a time till I could play it just
like Guido. Years later my teacher found the music, and I practiced the
entire piece. Somehow the corner broke off the record, but I still have
it, and thankfully the bass solo is still there.
I tell this story because of the inspiration this recording provided me in
my youth. I recently got a CD with the remastered Frosini recordings.
Similarly, his version of the Jolly Caballero is the best I've ever heard.
I believe there are many collectors who still have original recordings of
many of the giants written about in the Golden Age in their private
collections. I would love to see them made available for remastering and
then returned to their owner's so that we could all share the experience.
I would especially love to see the Magnante recordings that Helmi
Harrington has in her museum made available. Do you have any thoughts on
the merits and viability of such an undertaking, and where/how to start. I
do have contacts with a few people who own sound studios who could do the
work, but I don't know the cost and how to raise funds to cover such a
project.
Sincerely Yours,
Lou Natale
Southampton, Pennsylvania
P.S. I would also like to see an undertaking for Pietro Deiro similar to
that for Guido. I grew up playing his overtures and concertos, and believe
a recording of all his works (maybe even the Grand Etudes d'Concert) would
be a fitting tribute and warmly received.
Reply:
Dear Lou,
Many thanks for your kind words. Your story about your listening to Guido Deiro playing Pietro's Return record is inspiring; how you learned to play the bass solo simply be dogged determination.
Count Guido Roberto Deiro Jr.'s next project is to release on a compact disc the complete 78-RPM recordings of his father playing his original music. It will fill up one CD. You can read about this at http://guidodeiro.com/cds.html. Perhaps it might be released next year.
Dr. Helmi Harrington has already released a CD of Magnante playing Magnante which is included in the book she recently (2003) published titled The Charles Magnante Story: The Autobiography of America's Great Accordionist. Better to telephone her directly rather than e-mail. I believe she can be reached at 952-894-7043 (Burnsville, Minnesota studio).
Yes, the works of Pietro Deiro should also be recorded and released. Perhaps his grandchildren could fund such a project. There are many accordionists who could record this project, but the problem is funding.
Regarding my recent Guido Deiro double CD anthology, you can thank also Count Guido Roberto Deiro Jr., as he paid for the considerable recording studio fees. I would never have done it on my own. It seemed like hundreds of hours of work between studying the scores, listening to Guido's original recordings to get the correct style, re-writing the scores (most were written incorrectly), learning to read the left-hand in treble clef (bass clef did not become standard in published accordion music until the 1930s), transcribing a half-dozen songs which were never published, not to mention untold hours of practicing and perhaps fifty hours in the studio. Toward the end I was praying to get it over with! it was that much work.
I just hope music lovers appreciate the result, and maybe Guido Jr. and I will be reimbursed for our corroboration together by profuse CD sales!
Best wishes,
Henry Doktorski
Subject: Great Accordion Music
Date: Wed, 22 Oct 2003
I have listened to your "California Accordion Recitals" many, many
times
over the past few months and I now discover, from your website, that you
have a new 2 CD recording of Guido Deiro, which I am about to order with
great anticipation. You should send an e-mail to those who have ordered
music from you in the past, informing them of your new offering.
I appreciate your prior recommendations and would like to know if you can
recommend any other performers who again, play solo piano accordion music
using the standard unamplified (non-electronic) accordion. In addition, I
implore you to expand your musical offerings to include more solo
performances from your repertoire in future CD's including:
1) Music from 1700 to 1900s (all from your repertoire)
2) Polkas
3) Specialty Songs
4) French, German, Italian, Irish...
5) Other classics like:
a) Gay Ranchero
b) Malaguena
c) Valse in C#m - Chopin
d) Under Paris Skies
e) Under the Double Eagle
f) Washington Post March - Frosini transcription
I have searched the Internet for this type of music (for solo piano
accordion) without much success. In fact, I could not locate prior solo
recordings from Magnante (other than the 4 78's I bought) from Helmi
Harrington or any other source. I believe that there IS a market for this
music which can be tapped through the Internet and I also believe that you
can fill that void. Anyway, what is the harm in contacting your customer
base and expanding interest in this area, much like the Frosini Society has
done on the Web as well? Thank you for your patience in reading this
e-mail.
Sincerely,
Robert L. Schemitsch
One of your fans in New York City.
Subject: California Accordion Recitals CD
Date: Mon, 8 Sep 2003
Dear Mr. Doktorski,
Thanks for the CD which arrived here in New Zealand on Saturday - only a week from ordering it!
I immediately listened to the Guido Deiro compositions since I'm a fan of his, along with Pietro Deiro of course. I was amazed at the quality and sheer brilliance of the music, and your very fine, clear and spirited playing, including the shadings between 'pp' and 'ff'. I also very much enjoyed your own Rondo Polska, and will be listening to the rest of the CD tomorrow. (As a mere amateur, I like to limit my listening time during any one session, in the hope that by careful study of a virtuoso's technique and playing style I may, one day, improve just a little!).
I believe that if more people had the opportunity of hearing music like this, and playing like this, the accordion could become very popular again. Especially for music for which it is best suited.
Sincerely,
Roger Nightingale, Secretary
Waikato Accordion Club
Te Awamutu, New Zealand
Subject: Solo Piano Accordion Music
Date: Thu, 10 Jul 2003
I listened to some of your musical selections on your website and I too,
think you play like Magnante. In fact, I will order 2 or 3 of your CDs
very
shortly. It seems truly gifted solo piano accordion performances, like yours, are
very hard to locate.
Sincerely,
Robert L. Schemitsch
Subject: Rhapsody In Blue
Date: Tue, 10 Jun 2003
Hello Henry!
I just purchased your recording of Rhapsody In Blue. Great album! What was that; 35 register changes throughout the piece? I believe it was about five changes every three minutes. Awesome affect though, exactly what one must do to demonstrate the range of the accordion. Great interpretations!
Benjamin Lang
Holmen, Wisconsin
Subject: Great Website
Date: Tue, 20 May 2003
Dear Henry:
Today I just happened upon your website and just wanted to write and say hello, and also to congratulate you on your successes as a musician, composer, and performer.
It was so nice to work with you when I directed the Pittsburgh Boychoir, on your Classical Christmas album. I know the "Twelve Days" reprise didn't make it on the final cut...................but from all your wonderful CD reviews the album has been a huge success. BRAVO!
The boychoir ran for 12 years but ended in 1997. I worked in sales for a few years but have just moved two weeks ago to Nashville, TN where I will teach elementary school and start the Nashville Boys Choir.
I am excited to get back into music again after a 6 year break.
With the Pittsburgh group, I traveled through 40 states and 8 countries and conducted hundreds of concerts. My only regret is that I didn't have you as our special guest artist at the Christmas or Spring concert series.
Perhaps we can meet up again someday, or maybe I can commission you to write something for the choir I am starting here in Nashville.
Best wishes,
Scot Franklin,
former director
Pittsburgh Boychoir
Subject: Accordion Career Interests
Date: Mon, 12 May 2003
Mr. Doktorski,
I checked out your web page ... it seems you have accomplished everything I have been planning to do in my life... I am still in middle school, we are registering for high school today and I have been planning seriously for a career in Music.
I am currently taking accordion lessons from Helmi Harrington, Ph.D. I live in Holmen, Wisconsin, and ride to Burnsville, Minnesota about every other week for an accordion lesson.
The accordion is my life. I want to be a great classical accordionist, and I also want to be fluent in Piano and Organ, and teach ... maybe someday pushing for an accordion program at Juilliard...
Do you have any suggestions or advice that could help my accordion dream come true?
I was so excited when my e-mail which was sent to a webmaster reached you ... it seems like it was meant to happen that I would be somehow led to a person who has achieved what I am only beginning to plan for.
Keep in Touch! Thank you!
Benjamin
Reply:
Dear Benjamin,
Thank you for your kind words and I am pleased that I have been able to inspire you by my humble attempts to create beautiful music for the upliftment of humanity.
You have a superb teacher. My wife, Mary Kay, also studied with Ms. Harrington. She can capably direct you to good colleges. If I have any advice, it is that I suggest you spend equal time studying piano, organ & accordion. Although classical accordion has brought me some international recognition, it has brought little income, as it is a specialized market. Some players can make a living at it, but they are much better than me.
I make most of my living playing organ and directing choirs. One good thing about being a church organist, is that it doesn't take much time, even for a fulltime position. Maybe 15-20 hours per week. You can make a decent living as a church organist and still have time for practicing and playing accordion.
Even in high school, you can get a part time position as an organist for a smaller church and make good money; much better than your friends who might be working at McDonalds. Depending on the size of the church, you could make $100-200 per week, for only about 3 or 4 hours of work: one Sunday worship service and one choir rehearsal during the week. If you continue to work as an organist during college, you can write off all your college expenses as a tax deduction.
Best wishes,
Henry Doktorski
Subject: Re: Accordion Career Interests
Date: Thu, 15 May 2003
Greetings Master Doktorski,
I was curious as to the statement in one recent e-mail on the subject of Organ and College...
"If you continue to work as an organist during college, you can write off all your college expenses as a tax deduction."
Can you please clarify in detail and direction how this works and how to write it off as tax deduction? This could be the solution to many of my musical problems!
Once again I really appreciate your help and guidance - no other accordionist or musician of your caliber has been able to keep in contact as often with me and responds as quickly as you have. It is a very great thing to have you as a resource -- you are certainly the greatest resource I have, and I cannot express my thanks and gratitude in words. I only hope that someday soon I may be able to honor you with either an album or concert of classical and artistic accordion works...
And again, thank you for your time and knowledge.
Keep in Touch,
Sincerely,
Benjamin
Reply:
Dear Benjamin,
Thanks for your kind words. I check my email usually every day. Most replies do not take much time.
I heard about writing off college costs from an accountant who spoke at an AGO meeting. If you are employed as an organist while studying at a college as an organ major, the college expenses are considered work related and can be deducted from your income taxes. I do not know the details. I suggest you talk to an accountant in your town. If he cannot help you, write to me again, and I will give you the name of the Pittsburgh AGO Chapter President, and he may be able to give you the name of the accountant who spoke at our meeting. His class was actually boring. We were all dozing.
Sincerely,
Henry
Subject: California Recitals CD
Date: Jan 12, 2003
Dear Mr. Doktorski,
My mom bought me your "California Recitals" disk for Christmas, and I LOVE it!
I have played accordion since age 6 (in 1956) -- took lessons for 10 years, played in various ensembles, etc., but majored in English and teach developmental (remedial) reading & writing at our local 2-year college.
I still play now and then and have PROFOUND respect for those such as yourself who do it WELL. I especially loved the Guido Deiro numbers ("Queen of the Air" really rocks). Enclosed find an order for another "California Recitals" CD, plus "A Classical Christmas," "Rhapsody In Blue," "Suite on Four Polish Carols" CDs and "The Classical Squeezebox" article reprint.
Sincerely,
Mardy Eisloeffel
Belleville, Illinois
Subject:California Recitals CD
Date: Fri, 10 Jan 2003
Hello,
I recently purchased your California Recitals CD and just wanted to let
you know that I thought it is great! I appreciate the effort you put in and
the talent that you have to put out such a great collection of works.
Thanks for sharing your talent and hope to hear that you will be playing in
California again soon.
Ron Cole
Subject: A Classical Christmas CD
Date: Dec 12, 2002
Hi Henry,
I want to order another Classical Christmas CD for my daughter for Christmas. I have it and when she heard how beautiful if was, she wanted it. Since I can't give mine up, I'm ordering one for her. Please keep me on your mailing list.
Love and God bless,
Trudy Kumpfmiller
Pittsburgh, Pennslvania
Subject: Airing of "Suite on Four Polish Carols"
Date: Sun, 8 Dec 2002
Dear Henry,
Hope you are well and had a good, safe Thanksgiving. I wanted to let you know that I continue to enjoy the CDs that I purchased and will be airing your "Suite on Four Polish Carols" on my radio show "Classical Discoveries" this Wednesday morning, December 11 shortly after 6:30. In the event you would like to listen you can do so on line at www.wprb.com.
Thanks so much. This piece is really wonderful and I am sure that all my listeners will enjoy it. I am going to put a link directly from my playlist to your site in the event people wish to purchase it.
Do take care!!
All best,
Marvin Rosen
Bensalem, Pennsylvania
Subject: A Classical Christmas at Pittsburgh International Airport
Date: Sat, 7 Dec 2002
Hello Henry,
I hope you have been well. I just wanted to let you know I have heard your Christmas tunes several times in the airport on the classical music soundtrack provided by WQED-FM.
It's great to hear them.
Have a great Christmas and a healthy
New Year.
James Rumbaugh
Pittsburgh, PA
Subject: Compact Disc Order
Date: Fri, 22 Nov 2002
I would like to order one copy each of your A Classical Christmas, Music by George Gershwin and California Accordion Recitals CDs for someone as a Christmas gift, someone who I know has an interest in accordion music transcribed from orchestral works.
I have found it extremely difficulty to find such recordings, and so did an extensive internet search. It was through the search engine"Google" that I eventually located your site. I must admit that the sample sound files were most influential in my decision to purchase your CDs -- at least I had an idea what I was getting.
Sean Cotter
Essex, England
Subject: Your new c.d.
{Featuring the Deiro compositions}
Date: Fri, 22 Nov 2002
The c.d. arrived here this morning, thanks
I put the deiro part on {here in the office}Everyone that heard it said it transported them to Italy {a few mentioned Naples}
So there --------- ! !
John Lombard
London, England
Subject: Classical Christmas CD
Date: Nov 14, 2002
Dear Henry,
Enclosed is an order for your A Classical Christmas CD. I listened to a part of "Ave Maria" on my computer and it was so beautiful. I thought I was in "Heaven." I'm looking foward to the CD.
Thank you,
Lenore I. Berg
Barron, Wisconsin
Subject: California Recital CD
Date: Mon, 28 Oct 2002
Mr. Doktorski,
I spent some time on your web site this evening. I am so impressed by the quality of your recordings and your playing. I hope someday that I might hear you in person. In the interim, I plan on ordering some of your CD's for myself and others as gifts.
Take care.
Seth Hickel, President
Carolina Accordionists Association
Subject: thanks for the CDs
Date: Sun, 29 Sep 2002
Dear Henry,
Wanted to let you know that I have received your California Accordion Recitals and Suite on Four Polish Carols CDs and have already enjoyed them tremendously. In fact, this Wednesday morning, October 2, I will be playing 3 pieces from the Recitals disc on my radio show. Between the 7:00 and 8:00 AM hour I will be airing both the Hovhaness Suite and the Hymn written for you. At 8:26 I will be signing my show off with your delightful "Rondo Polska".
Thanks so much! I am really looking forward to playing music from the CD you sent me. If you want to listen on line you can at www.wprb.com
All best,
Marvin Rosen
Bensalem, Pennsylvania
Subject: CD
Date: Thu, 26 Sep 2002
Hello Henry!
Thank you for sending me your California Recitals cd. I have now listened to all of it. Your interpretations of the various types of music is really very find, very
"clear" and "smooth" playing.
Also the recordings of the Guido Deiro pieces are very fine, and a very fine
contribution to the preservation of his music - and the history of the
accordionmusic. Guido´s music was performed here in Sweden a lot back in the
1930ths and 40ths during many of the accordion competitions that took place
at that era of the accordion...
Kind regards
Håkan Widar
Varberg, Sweden
Subject: Your new CD is GREAT!! Love it.
Date: Thu, 19 Sep 2002
This (California Accordion Recitals) has got to be the greatest accordion CD ever made, I think. I really think it's great and I'll be listening to it a lot!
Wendy Stanford
Lancaster, Massachusetts
Subject: Check out Classical Discoveries
Date: Sun, 15 Sep 2002
To Henry Doktorski:
Hello. My name is Marvin Rosen and I was very excited when I found your website just a little while ago. I actually knew Alan Hovhaness and actually recorded 2 CDs of his piano music on the Koch International label (Fred the Cat and Vision of a Starry Night). A truly wonderful man!! I will never forget the many hours we spent together just talking. A high point in my life.
I currently do a weekly radio program called "Classical Discoveries" that airs out of WPRB in Princeton NJ (www.wprb.com). It features rarely heard repertoire of all periods with an emphasis on the old and the new. In the event you are interested the URL address is http://ourworld.cs.com/clasdis. You can find many playlists as well as info about me. I was very excited when I saw your CD with 2 Hovhaness compositions on it. I am also very interested in your Suite on 4 Polish Carols. I became very interested in Polish music after meeting my wife who is Polish. I have gone with her to her country 2 times and actually introduced many people there to Hovhaness's piano music.
Anyway, I am interested in the 2 CDs mentioned above. I recall seeing a listing of the Hovhaness Suite when I was doing my dissertation. It will be great to finally hear it.
Anyway, thanks so much for reading this and do hope to hear from you soon.
All best,
Marvin Rosen
Bensalem, Pennsylvania
Subject: CD
Date: Tue, 10 Sep 2002
Henry
I received your Music by George Gershwin CD yesterday. It was the first time in my life that I ever sat and listened to a brand new CD from the beginning to end. It is the first accordion recording I have owned in 30 years. My tender sensibilities were jumping for joy. I was held spell-bound during the Rhapsody. You were wonderful...flawless. At times I thought I was listening to the late, great Charles Magnante. As a young accordion student, he was like a god to me. No-one in this world was held in more esteem by me than Magnante. I worshipped him. I listened to his records over and over again. I learned to play many of his arrangements. Some of them that I learned from music and many of them I learned by "ear". There were times that I felt like I was listening to him playing once again as I was hearing your runs and riffs on either hand. Over all, the CD was beautiful. I loved the whole recording but "your" Rhapsody just held me breathless.
Thank you for sending me this wonderful CD and thank you for doing such a fantastic job on it.
Henry G. Hancock
Hampton, VA
Subject: Your California Trip
Date: Mon, 12 Aug 2002
Henry,
Glad you had a good time in California....only wish I could have been there to attend one
of your four concerts. I did purchase your California Recitals CD and it is EXCELLENT....I will add
it to your Xmas and Gershwin CDs in my collection.
The writeup about your trip
on your web site is excellent....luckily it didn't end with an
obituary..."Famous accordionist killed by squirrel in California." That will
be a great story I will remember for years to come!
Bob Berta
Daly City, California
Subject: Photograph
Date: Tue, 16 Apr 2002
Dear Henry,
That's a pretty cool picture of you on the homepage of your website with the keyboards reflected in your glasses!
Thomas Fabinski
Warren, Michigan
Subject: Rite of Spring
Date: Sun, 7 Apr 2002
Greetings,
I'm nearly positive that I've heard an arrangement of the Rite of Spring for two accordions - are
you aware of this arrangement/recording, and how I might be able to obtain it?
Thank,
Matt Barlow
Reply:
Hello Matt,
Five or so years ago on The Classical Free-Reed, Inc. website Gregory Vozar reviewed a 1994 CD on the Simax label (Simax PSC 1096) of Norway, of the accordion duo Geir Draugsvoll and James Crabb titled Classical Accordion in which they performed Stavinsky's Petrouchka. I remember playing this CD for the chairman of the Duquesne University School of Music Graduate Department, as well as a fellow-graduate student who was writing a thesis on Stravinsky. They both loved it.
This same recording was re-released on another CD, Accordion Duos, on EMI Records (CDZ 569705 2 ).
Recently I received a brand new 2001 CD on the Banco de sonido label (BS 025 CD) by Iñigo Aizpiolea and Iñaki Alberdi which includes Stavinsky's Petrouchka. Alberdi's CD can be ordered from his website at www.ialberdi.com. I imagine you can order the Draugsvoll/Crabb recording at any record store.
Sincerely,
Henry
Subject: In search of sheet music
Date: Fri, 15 Mar 2002
Dear Sir,
I take the liberty to send you this email with the following question (I hope you don't mind):
I am looking for a very long time for the sheet music of
Rhapsody No. 2 in C Minor (1939) by Pietro Frosini.
Since you have this piece of music in your repertoire, could you tell me where you purchased the sheet music so that I can order it there ?
Thank you very much in advance for any information!
Sincerely
Flip Rijnsewijn
Netherlands
P.S. I own two of your CDs and they are really great! I think you a true virtuoso and I also like your musical interpretation!
Reply:
Hello Flip,
Thank you for your kind words about my humble efforts to make art music. I believe the piece you mentioned is long out of print, but you might have luck contacting Deffner Music at fdeffner@aol.com or Stanley Darrow at 322 Haddon Street, Westmont New Jersey, 08108.
Sincerely,
Henry
Subject: General impressions of...
Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2002
Hello Henry,
How would you compare the TITANO EMPEROR with the HOHNER GOLA, assuming a concert tuning. Do you have any biases / likes / dislikes from a professional point of view.
PS: You web site looks impressive,, and so is your Curriculum Vitae.
Regards,
Walter Prendergast
New York City
Reply:
Thanks for your kind words, Walter.
My favorite accordion is the Russian bayan. I have heard in concert both the Pigini Mythos played by American Peter Soave and the Jupiter bayan played by Friedrich Lips. I like the deep bass notes which growl and the velvety tenor register in the left-hand manual, as well as the extensive range and brightness of the right-hand manual.
I have heard CDs of Stefan Hussong playing a Hohner Gola; certainly a superb accordion.
I own a Victoria which is essentially identical to the Titano Emperor. I have heard a CD of Salvatore di Gesualdo of Italy playing the Titano Emperor. I have been very happy with my instrument, but instruments with tone chambers generally sound muffled. The sound is gentle and beautiful when playing solo, but muted when playing with ensembles and orchestras.
Canadian virtuoso Joseph Petric seems to have solved this problem by designing his own instrument which was built by the Sudbury accordion technician genius Leo Niemi. Petric wrote, "We built our own [reed] blocks with various wood combinations. It's a unique instrument, one of a kind which I designed because of the concerto work I was doing with symphony orchestras."
I have never thought either Hohner or Titano better than the other as far as sound is concerned. Perhaps if I could compare two instruments together I might have a different opinion.
Best,
Henry
Subject: RE: Re: General impressions of...
Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2002
Good morning Henry,
I really appreciate your professional opinion regarding the instruments.
I am in full agreement on TONE CHAMBER design - nice if you are looking for that feature, otherwise leave it out. To date, I have been an TITANO fan, and played (on loan) the EMPEROR, seriously impressive. So far, I have not been able to play the GOLA, and I refuse to make a purchase until I have at least tried out the instrument. Never really considered the BAYAN, probably due to ignorance - but I will certainly check it out.
You seem to be a man of many talents - not many people know how to DESIGN web pages correctly - generally, most of them look like a fruit salad of color.
All the best, regards.
Walter
Subject: Copyright Permission
Date: Mon, 4 Feb 2002
Dear Sir,
I am compiling a web site for my computing studies on careers that music can
offer, and, to aid me with this, I request that you give me permission to
use the picture of Henry Doktorski in his curriculum vitae on the site.
Please can any written permission, or notification of your disapproval, be
sent to the address above.
Yours sincerely,
David Hopkins
United Kingdom
Reply:
Dear David Hopkins,
Granted. Please include correct spelling of Henry Doktorski and home page (http://henrydoktorski.com) in the caption. Also notify me when your page is online so I may see the result.
Sincerely,
Henry Doktorski
Subject: I'd like to buy some more CDs!
Date: Thu, 20 Dec 2001
Henry,
I love your Classical Christmas CD! I want to order another 6 copies.
Thank you so much! I can't wait to share them with my family and friends!!
Happy Christmas,
Barbara Stewart
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Subject: Thanks!
Date: 4 Dec 2001
Henry,
I was just taking a break from typing and was web surfing. Just for fun, I punched in my own name, to see if I was referenced anywhere. I was linked to your description of the Hindemith concert on your website. Thanks very much for the quote! It's nice to see myself cited on-line. Congratulations on the web site as well. It's quite elaborate! We should all have such great promotional skills! (I like the senior recital picture on your Biography Page, by the way.)
Thanks again. Thanks also for playing the Hindemith, it did indeed really make the piece! (I have the concert recording, if you would like me to make a copy for you. Just let me know.)
Jonathan Neiderhiser, Assistant Conductor
Duquesne University School of Music
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Subject: Accordion at Berklee College of Music
Date: Mon, 03 Dec 2001
Dear Mr. Henry,
I am writing to you because I just saw your web site which I liked, and also
your sound files. I am the only accordion player at Berklee College of Music in Massachusetts
and also I have a new technique I have invented, it is called chord approach
on both hands The information is in my web site www.victorprieto.net. You
will get also 5 sound files where you can hear what I just said, The harmony
and the motion of voices is unbelievable.
I hope to hear from you. one more thing, I treat the accordion as a piano,
getting all the harmony as is possible. The modal tunes are problems to play
on the accordion, (solo, or trio, no piano no guitar) with my technique they
are not a problem any more.
Victor Prieto
Lynn, Massachusetts
Subject: Your web page / sound files
Date: Sat, 17 Nov 2001
Hi Henry,
I see that you've expanded on your web site, and it's very well done. I
enjoyed very much the Deiro sound files and wish you luck with the upcoming
CD. It would be nice to see you again at the AAMS show at King of Prussia, Pennsylvania next March.
Best regards,
Tom Tonon
Subject: cassette tape order
Date: Fri, 26 Oct 2001
Dear Henry,
I am presently listening to and studying the complete works of Alan Hovhaness and have received
the package of your four cassette tapes which I ordered from your Cassette Recordings page. [These cassettes are no longer available; much of the material has been released on compact disc (see California Recitals).] I am presently listening to the one cassette
that includes Hovhaness's Suite for Accordion and Hymn for accordion
(which he wrote for you) for the 4th or 5th time.
The Hymn was a big surprise as I didn't notice it when I first viewed your website. Very glad to have a chance to
hear both works. The really exciting works on the tape were the
Brahms and Bartok which blew me away on accordion. No doubt the
intended instrument!
Thanks again for the tapes. Looking forward to hearing the others.
Eric Kunze
Seattle, Washington
Subject: Sofia Gubaidulina
Date: Tue, 25 Sep 2001
Dear Henry Doktorski
My name is Ricardo Descalzo and I am a Spanish pianist specialized in contemporary music.
I have read that you have written an article about Sofia Gubaidulina. I would be very interested if you could send me information about it. I would very much like to have it.
I am preparing Sofia's complete piano music and I would very much like to know more details about her and her works. If you know about anything published related to her, I would like to know.
With best wishes,
Ricardo Descalzo
Cabo Huertas - Alicante - Spain
Reply:
Dear Ricardo,
I have written several reviews of recordings of Gubaidulina's music for bayan, and I have written a paragraph or two about her in a book I am writing about the accordion in classical music. I have not written an article about her.
The reviews can be found at The Classical Free-Reed, Inc. website, at http://trfn.clpgh.org/free-reed. You can go to "Search" and enter the name "gubaidulina." This will give you a list of pages which contain her name.
I will send you by separate mail the paragraphs in my book which deal with Gubaidulina's works for bayan.
Sincerely,
Henry
Subject: Congratulations
Date: Sat, 10 August, 2001
Dear Henry,
Just read in Accordions Worldwide about your latest performance with the Cleveland Chamber Symphony. Congratulations on the good work for the accordion - it's excellent to see the accordion being featured with other instruments.
Kind regards,
Harley Jones
Kadavu, Fiji
Subject: Faure requiem
Date: Sat, 14 Jul 2001
Hello,
I have the following question:
I'm a great collector of recordings of the requiem op.48 of Gabriel Fauré worldwide. You conducted this work in the past. Did you make a recording of this concert. If yes, is it possible for me to receive it?
Thank you,
John Schreurs
The Netherlands
Reply:
Dear Sir,
Thank you for your letter, but I'm afraid that the performance was not recorded. Best of luck in your collecting endeavors. Faure's Requiem is a sublime work.
Sincerely,
Henry
Subject: recordings
Date: Thu, 5 Jul 2001
Please notify me when any Guido Deiro recordings become available.
Thank you.
Marie Cogbill
Kansas City, Missouri
Subject: Guido Deiro
Date: Wed, 4 Jul 2001
Please let me know when the CD's are released and available to order.
Thanks.
L. Inzalaco
Subject: Forthcoming Guido Deiro Recording
Date: Tue, 3 Jul 2001
Please inform me when the CD or cassette will be available, and the cost.
Thank you.
August Greyhosky
Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Date: Sat, 23 Jun 2001
Subject: CDs Guido Deiro
Hi!
I would really appreciate it if you will inform me when CDs of Guido
Deiro are released. Thanks for your help in advance!
Best regards,
Martin Maas
Almere, Netherlands
Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2001
Subject: Guido Deiro
Dear Henry,
I read about you are recording the music of Guido Deiro. I must commend
you for this far-sighted endeavor. What a wonderful project which will bring
to light material of significant historical value!
Best wishes,
Faithe Deffner, Past President
American Accordionists' Association
Long Island, New York
From: dagmar hansbauer
Subject: Hello
Date: Wed, 27 Jun 2001
Hi,
I just listened to the audio samples on your Sound Files Page and must say that I haven't heard anybody play accordion so well since I moved out of my
fathers house 15 years ago!
I just started to play again a few months ago....just couldn't live with out
seeing peoples chins drop to the floor as I break out into Hungarian
rhapsody, I guess. However, since I now work without a teacher, I'm running
into a couple of difficulties and am trying to find a CD, or midi file or
SOMETHING to help me with a few difficulties in that particular piece.
Sorry to barge in on you like that,...but do you know of any published
(audio) accordion version of those particular thirteen pages of hell?
Thank you very much for your time.
Sparrow
Reply:
Dear Sparrow,
Do you mean the Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 by Franz Liszt? The Hohner Accordion Orchestra from Trossingen Germany recorded this piece on a 1961 LP which was re-released on CD by Omega Group in 1997. Click Here for more info.
Sincerely,
Henry
Date: Mon, 21 May 2001
Subject: Your CD
Dear Henry,
Today I finally had the time to listen to your CD Gershwin's Rhapsody in
Blue, which I purchased from you at the CUNY recital in March.
Having recently taught my 4th and 5th grade music students [I'm a public school music teacher] about George
Gershwin, listening to his Rhapsody in Blue and, of course, watching the
Fantasia 2000 version, I wondered about how good it would sound on an
accordion.
I have to tell you that I was amazed and thrilled with your playing and
arrangement!! Congratulations!!
I think that George Gershwin would definitely have approved of your rendition.
Tomorrow, my students will listen to your CD and we will discuss it. Are any of the arrangements on your CD available for purchase? I think I
would like to learn some of them.
Musically,
Rita Davidson
West Orange, New Jersey
Reply:
Thank you, Rita, for your kind words about my CD.
I did not write any arrangements for the Rhapsody; I merely read from the piano score. Most of it is played as is, except for a few parts which I had to modify somewhat to accommodate the accordion's range and timbre (it is not percussive like the piano, but as you know, sustaining like the organ).
I do not have access to the orchestral arrangements for the Gershwin songs on the album; but I do have copies of the accordion part, which I wrote and can send to you.
Sincerely,
Henry
Date: Mon, 14 May 2001
Subject: Photo
Hi,
I have your CD: Gershwin with solo accordion and orchestra. Can you send me a signed photo as I am a fan?
Shane Brogan
South Ayrshire
Scotland
Date: Fri, 11 May 2001
Subject: accordion
Hello colleague,
You have got interesting web.
Many greetings to you from Czech Republic Europe.
Jiri Koucky
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2001
Subject: Great Web Site!
Love your web site, Henry! Haven't seen you since the "Jubilation Mass"
workshop with Father Jim Chepponis at St. Sebastian's in 1999. Hope all is going well for
you at St. John of God.
Robert J. Tuchman
Assistant Director of Music Ministries
St. Gerard Majella Parish
Date: Sat, 31 Mar 2001
Dear Henry:
Thank you for your Gershwin CD, which I just received in the mail. Gershwin is a particular favorite of mine.
It was
my pleasure to hear your inspired playing of my father's compositions My Florence Waltz and
Egypto at the CUNY Recital last week. My family and I were stunned by your elegant, dramatic stage
presence and musicianship. Your command of the instrument almost
exceeds it's capabilities. More than that.....you demonstrate
sensitivity and respect for what the composer was trying to say and you
play with genuine feeling. I know my father would have been delighted
with your renditions. The audience obviously agreed.
I thank you for taking the time and expending the talent to have learned
the pieces so well and given my father the opportunity to have his work
displayed. Believe me...nobody has played his music as well as you did that evening. I only wish I could have heard your March 19 Pittsburgh radio broadcast on WQED-FM.
Thank you...from myself and on behalf of my father.
Sincerely,
Count Guido Roberto Deiro
Las Vegas, NV
Date: Sun, 01 Apr 2001
Subject: your performance at the CUNY Graduate Center 3/23/01
Dear Henry,
I am sorry that this letter is long time in coming to you, however,
I did want to tell how much I enjoyed your performance. You are not
only a marvelous technician, but the feeling, expression, and joy of
playing flows with every note. I had the brief pleasure of talking with
you in the lobby. You are extremely talented.
I have two basic questions for you if I may. First, what is the
name of the accordion that you use? It does sound fantastic. I have
been playing for approximately 38 years (on and off) and really want to
get back into it. I own an Excelsior Continental (Symphony B model with 4 and
5 sets of reeds and double tone chamber) approximately 40 + years old
(made in New York City), also a Pan Baton, and a Pan Italia ( light weight
16 lb. stroller). The Pan Baton has a built in Master Midi.
My second question is where are you physically located? as I would
love to take some lessons with you at some time. I reside in Great
Neck, New York. Do you give individual/private lessons?
Once again, it was nice meeting with you.
Best regards,
Dr. Stephen H. Friedman, PhD-EE
Great Neck, NY
REPLY:
Dear Dr. Friedman,
Thank you for your kind words about my performance. My accordion is built by the Victoria company of Castelfidardo, Italy. I am pleased with the instrument, and I assume the company is pleased with me, as they put my photo in their catalog.
The right hand sound is elegant and sophisticated, perfect for classical music (due in part to its extremely dry tuning in the violin register), and the left hand has an extra row of bass buttons which increases its range by eight more tones than the standard accordion: down to E1 (located 4 1/2 ledger lines below the F clef staff). The tone is full and meaty, almost like a professional Russian bayan. The instrument has its faults, one of which is its unwieldy bellows, which makes bellows shakes extremely difficult.
I live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and invite you to visit my website at www.henrydoktorski.com. I hope we can get together sometime.
Sincerely,
Henry
Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2001
Subject: NYC Symposium & Concert
Dear Henry,
I am the granddaughter of Pietro Deiro and was at the recital in New York City for both the symposium and concert, but did not get to chance to speak with you after
the concert. I enjoyed your playing very much and it was very humbling to
hear the music my grandfather and Guido played and composed.
I am also the daughter of Mario Pancotti (grandfather Egisto) who
manufactured
the accordion Excelsior which was also one of the presentations given by
William Schimmel.
Please let me know if you will be playing in NYC again.
Best regards,
Lynne Pancotti
Date: Sun, 25 Mar 2001
Subject: MY CONGRATULATIONS on your great Recital at CUNY
Dear Henry,
I am the Norwegian that had the pleasure of a brief chat with you when
you signed your autograph on my CD. After reading the nice letters about
your outstanding performance, there is not much to add, other than
letting you know that I enjoyed your excellent performance tremendously.
This was the high quality accordion music that I am accustomed to listen
to from some of my good friends in Norway. Oivind Farmen was the World
Champion in 1996. I will tell Oivind about you once he is back from his
two weeks of concerts together with Jorgen Sundeqvist in England. You can
be proud of being considered to belong in the same category. Your CD is
given the deserved credit as well. It is just fantastic!
Listening to your concert and meeting you afterwards made my day. Thank
you!
I play a few of the P. Deiro and P. Frosini compositions on my excellent
EXCELSIOR chromatic/ button accordion. Your VICTORIA is a great
instrument. Its sound was highly appreciated.
Kindest regards,
John M. Kristoffersen
Greenwich, CT
Date: Sat, 24 Mar 2001
Subject: Your great concert!
Dear Henry,
It was a pleasure to finally meet you and hear you play at the concert "The
Accordion as an Icon of Italian American Culture" in New York City. Your performance was
charismatic, sensitive, educational, and very enjoyable!! From where I was
sitting in the back, I did notice that the audience was very attentive and
appreciative of your recital-talk about Guido Deiro and Pietro Frosini and
their music. I did not realize that I had been pronouncing his name
incorrectly all these years.!! [It's not Dee-Ay-Row, it's Day-ee-row.] It was also interesting to know the background
of the compositions.
On my way home, I listened to your tape "Music by Mozart & Friends."
Congratulations for enlightening all of us about the great achievements of
the accordion, its performers and composers!!
Rita Davidson
West Orange, New Jersey
Date: Fri, 23 Mar 2001
Subject: A Ragtime Rendition of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue
Dear Henry,
Yes, I'm the lady who attended your inspiring accordion concert Friday, at CUNY and was so graciously permitted by you to purchase a CD even though I was two dollars short of the purchase price. Please give me your mailing address so that I can mail you a check for the remainder. I already played the CD and I was dancing around in my living room... It's delicious!
Thanks again for your kindness and your trust,
Bernice Snyder
New York, New York
Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2001
Subject: New York
Hi Henry,
I just spent last week in NYC and saw a listing * for your performance this
week --too bad for me, I'm back in Boston now, and won't get to hear it. I was down there playing Virgil Thomson's "Four Saints in Three Acts" at
BAM with Mark Morris' dance company. What fun!
Best regards,
Katherine V. Matasy
Boston, MA
* I saw a poster/flyer on a bulletin board, probably at the Brooklyn Academy
of Music -- I don't remember exactly WHERE I saw it, but the poster itself
caught my eye!
Date: Sun, 18 Feb 2001
Subject: Hello from Japan
Mr. Doktorski,
My name is Mr. Shintaku from Osaka Japan.
I have seen your homepage and I like it.
I graduated from Tenri University, Nara, Japan and I would like to be your friend and wait your reply.
Regards,
Shintaku
REPLY:
Dear Shintaku,
Thank you for your letter. How did you discover my homepage? I have a
Japanese friend, Toru Katu, who is involved with the accordion. We
published, on The Classical Free-Reed, Inc. website, a list he compiled of
original works for accordion by Japanese composers.
Sincerely,
Henry
Date: Tue, 06 Feb 2001
Subject: Alan Hovhaness
Dear Henry,
I am completing a bio-bibliography on Alan Hovhaness and read that a "Hymn"
was written for you. Was the work completed? I'd like to include the work
in the book. Please send the premiere date and location, any published
review information, and info about the upcoming CD. Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Mark Laiosa
New York City
REPLY:
Hello Mark,
I assumed the piece was complete as is, although, I admit, it is short. I have a manuscript
copy; a photocopy, actually, as Mr. Hovhaness kept the original. I don't know if it was ever published. Premier date, if memory
serves me, was June 1994, on a WQED-FM broadcast, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which
was included on a "Performance In Pittsburgh" show. Repeated several
times. CD is not finished yet. Maybe it will be finished this summer.
Maybe later. But the Hovhaness Hymn has already been recorded. I have also recorded his Suite for Accordion for release on the same CD.
Sincerely,
Henry
Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2001
Subject: HELP!
Hello!
My name is Sarah Diggens, I am currently studying for a music degree at
the University of East Anglia. As part of my course, I have to write a
dissertation which I have chosen to do about the History of the
Accordion. I am very interested in your book 'The Classical Squeezebox'
and was wondering how long it would take to receive it (manuscript or
otherwise)? because my deadline is not far away!
If you could get back to me as soon as possible, I would be extremely
grateful.
Yours sincerely.
Sarah Diggens
Norwich, United Kingdom
REPLY:
Dear Sarah,
Normally it takes less than a week by airmail. Express mail is faster, but more costly.
Sincerely,
Henry
Date: Thursday, 11 Jan 2001
Subject: Your Website
Dear Henry,
A most impressive website; congratulations! My wife, Elizabeth, said she had no idea you were so well-organized and creative. She was very impressed.
Unfortunately, I'm unable to listen to your sound files, although I have "Windows Media Player." When I click on any of the tunes, I get long periods of silence briefly interrupted by short bursts of music. Any ideas?
I'm very happy my daughter Pady is so inspired to learn to play piano under your expert tutelage; what a wonderful gift. Please keep encouraging her, and somehow help her recognize the value of learning to read and write music fluently in such a way as she can enjoy it!
Your old friend,
Martin Lyons
Kalamazoo, Michigan
REPLY:
Hello Old Buddy,
Good to hear from you and thank you for your kind words about my new site; I wrote the HTML codes myself. Your daughter is a talented and self-motivated student -- a real pleasure to teach.
Regarding the sound files: I believe your problem is common and is caused by your audio application attempting to play the music file before it is fully downloaded. This often happens when a computer has a slow internet connection.
Try this: wait until the sound file is fully downloaded, then click "Play" again. Hopefully the audio will work perfectly on the second attempt.
Best,
Henry
Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2001
Subject: website
Hi Henry,
I just visited your website -- which I found through the Pittsburgh Musicians Web Ring -- and wanted to tell you how
impressed I was with it. As a fellow accordionist, I wish you the best of luck and look forward to hearing you play live sometime. I have been active in local clubs for over 40 years now and really
never get to hear many other local musicians. I am cutting back a lot as
of New Years and hope to hear a lot of you fellows this year. I particularly
like to hear other accordionists and hope to catch up to you.
Virgil Sambuco
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Date: Sat, 30 Dec 2000
Subject: Free-Bass Accordions
I have enjoyed your Christmas CD but am trying in vain to find more
information about free-bass accordions.
Could you point me to a web site which might go into detail about these
instruments? It appears from the CD cover that you have additional rows of
bass buttons. Am I right about that?
Happy Holidays.
Laird Allshouse
Reply
Dear Laird,
Thank you for your kind words about my Christmas CD.
You are correct, my
instrument has one extra row of left-hand buttons (140 total) which is
located above the first row of basses. The C through Eb simply doubles the
regular bass row; E through B consists of single pitches one octave lower
than the pitches of the regular bass row. This increases the lower range
of the instrument to E1 (located 4 1/2 ledger lines below the F clef
staff). You can hear this in "Fantasy on Carol of the Bells."
On the high end, my instrument reaches C7 (located 9 ledger lines above
the G clef staff). This appears in "Stille Nacht."
Regarding information about the free-bass accordion: there is not much on the web. You might read my article The Classical Bayan, which is
condensed from my forthcoming book, The Classical Squeezebox. You can find it at The Classical Free-Reed, Inc. website. Look under "History."
There is also a chapter from my book titled "The Free-Bass Accordion," but it is not online. You can, however, order a manuscript copy of my book at Order Form.
Sincerely,
Henry
Date: Thu, 14 Dec 2000
Subject: Christmas CD
Henry,
I heard your Suite on Four Polish Carols on Baltimore's 91.5 WBJC and Jonathan Povesky sent me the playlist for the "airtimes." Please send as soon as possible! two copies of your A Classical Christmas CD. Obviously I found out "how to order" via your website.
Thank you,
Joseph Dobrenski, Jr.
Earleville, Maryland
P.S.
Lulajze Jezuniu was my Mother's favorite! One of the Polish nuns in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, sang it during her funeral mass in 1994.
P.P.S. I used to play clarinet and saxophone in polka bands in Bayonne, New Jersey (Johnny BVD) and was a great fan of Bernard Witkowski.
Date: Thu, 14 Dec 2000
Subject: Hovhaness
Hello,
Saw your webpage on Hovhaness.
And God Created Whales is orchestral but
not a symphony [as you imply.] Next year, when I learn to create websites, I will be collecting stories
about Hovhaness on my web site www.hovhaness.com. So maybe then I may link up
with you. I wrote to Alan a couple of times and got replies. I also wrote him two
piano pieces, which he liked. Do you know exactly how many symphonies he wrote? Was 63 the last?
Kind regards,
Marco Shirodkar
London
REPLY:
Dear Marco,
Thank you for your letter and observation about And God Created Whales, which I have noted.
I think you know a lot more about Mr. Hovhaness than me! I do not know
exactly how many symphonies he wrote. Most sources I have seen say "more
than 60." One says "nearly 70."
About ten years ago I was preparing his Suite for Accordion, op. 166 (1959), which I was going to perform in recital at the New Vrindaban Palace of Gold recital series in Limestone, West Virginia. Impulsively, I wrote to him in care of Peters Corporation and asked him if he had any insights to share with me about the piece, history, etc. (I have always liked his music, as I consider him a spiritual seeker.) I also invited him to attend my recital.
In my closing, I used my Vaishnava initiated name (in Sanskrit), as I was serving as music director & organist for the New Vrindaban (City of God Vaishnava & Interfaith) religious community in Limestone, West Virginia. I didn't expect to receive a reply, but I was delighted when I received his letter. Mr. Hovhaness replied, in handwritten capital letters:
ALAN & HINAKO HOVHANESS
18206 51st AVE. SOUTH
SEATTLE, WASH. 98188
FEB. 26, 1990
DEAR GRACE HRISHIKESH DAS, O.H.N.
THANK YOU - I DO NOT REMEMBER THE SUITE AS I DO NOT HAVE THE MUSIC. I REMEMBER VAGUELY THAT I WROTE IT LONG AGO FOR AN ACCORDION MUSICIAN.
I RECEIVED YOUR LETTER ON HANDEL'S BIRTHDAY FEB. 26 - IMPROVISED A HYMN FOR YOU IN 7/4 TIME - A SACRED RHYTHM 3 BEATS FOR HEAVEN PLUS 4 BEATS FOR EARTH AS YOU ARE A RELIGIOUS MAN.
SINCERELY,
ALAN HOVHANESS
P.S. SORRY, I CANNOT BE PRESENT -- TRAVEL DIFFICULT!
|
I suspect he considered me religious as I wrote my letter on church
letterhead and signed it with my initiated Sanskrit name, Hrishikesh Das. As you know, quite a bit of his music deals with Hindu themes.
If you explored my site, you might have seen that I am still employed as a church organist.
I visited your site at www.hovhaness.com and I think you've made a good start. I think you'll enjoy webmastering. I wrote the code to my site, plus several others, including a nonprofit site, The Classical Free-Reed, Inc. We have listed, among our 411 pages, one review of his Rubayat.
Sincerely,
Henry
Date: Mon, 04 Dec 2000
Subject: private concert
this is a wild request here...........but my name is Sarah Leslie. i live in
San Diego, California. my husband and i are avid classical music fans, mostly
of baroque pieces and great choral works of Bach. my husband, especially is a
great organ fan who cannot collect enough organ work - especially
Bach-composed. as an anniversary gift to me last year, he hired a three-piece
string trio to give me a private concert at our home. i was floored, you can
imagine! i'm afraid i don't have the savvy to look into the same. i found
your website on the internet looking for "private organ concerts in San Diego".
out of curiosity, would you consider such an invitation if you're ever in town
working??? ....and how much would something like that cost me? i was thinking
Christmas or New Year's gift, but anytime would be wonderful. this is my first
attempt to just look into this. any response would be so appreciated.
Sarah Leslie
San Diego
REPLY:
Dear Sarah,
Delighted to hear from you and what a wonderful idea for a present for your
husband! Thanks for the invitation, but it would be far more economical if you
would hire a local organist. (I did play a recital in San Diego in 1996,
but it was part of a California tour.)
Perhaps you could contact the Dean of the American Guild of Organists, San
Diego Chapter. According to the AGO website, it is:
Lea Schmidt-Rogers
4383 Kansas St., #8
San Diego, CA 92104-1249
619-887-5701 (W)
619-284-9722 (H)
619-284-9722 (Fax)
Pianol@inetworld.net
I'm sure Lea has a list of perhaps a half-dozen organists in their chapter
which have the repertoire under their fingers.
May I suggest a unique Christmas gift for your husband which includes some
music of JS Bach? I recorded a CD with the Pittsburgh Chamber Orchestra
called A Classical Christmas. The Bach pieces are two
settings of in dulci jubilo originally written for organ, but played on the concert accordion (it's like a chamber organ). You may find out more about the CD (as well as listen to music excerpts)
at A Classical Christmas CD.
Sincerely,
Henry
Date: Tue, 5 Dec 2000 06:15:28 -0500
Subject: CD's
Hi, Henry! I'm sure you'll remember me. Long time, no see, as they say.
Hey, anyway, I was just listening, for the 1000th time, to your gorgeous
Christmas CD, and I would like to buy 2 more of them for some of my
special friends. This is your "A Classical Christmas CD."
Do you have 2 that you could rush to me? Assuming the answer is yes,
tell me the total amount of the check to mail to you. If you can speed
up the delivery, tell me what that would cost. I guess I'm thinking 1st
class mail would get them here in a few days, which would be fine. I'd
like these folks to be able to listen to your beautiful music and get
into the Christmas spirit, obviously *before* Christmas!
So, please get back to me asap. I can fill out the order form and mail
you a check tonite, or as soon as you get back to me.
I will be
mailing one out to my sister-in-law in Oregon, and the other 3 I will hand
deliver here in Columbus. Hey, it's fun to "spread the word"...besides
which, your music is absolutely beautiful. I hope that you are selling this
CD at a steadily increasing rate.
Hope all is OK with you these days! I am having a wonderful life, and
the accordion is a big part of it. Hey, by the way, I *really* love your
website...Classy!!
Henry, make that 4, please. I just thought of 2 other folks that I want to
include.
See ya later,
Tom McGough
Columbus, Indiana
REPLY:
Hello Tom,
Of course I remember you -- you heard my recording "Coventry Carol" on the
radio. Who
can forget that story? trying to decided whether it was an accordion or a
reed organ. It was a great letter I received from you. You wrote,
Dear Mr. Doktorski,
I am an accordionist. One night back in January I had the radio on while I
was doing something in the kitchen. It was the classical music station I
like to listen to, located at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.
The call letters are WFIU-FM. In fact, it was January 10 (I wrote it
down).
Anyway, they played this hauntingly beautiful song... and I stopped doing
the dishes, and said to myself "that sounds like maybe it's an accordion."
I listened really hard, but I couldn't be sure! I have heard so many
accordion tapes that I was sure I'd be able to tell. But, right up to the
end, I debated with myself "yes, this is an accordion.. well, maybe it's
some kind of an organ... no, it's an accordion..."
So, I listened very carefully when the announcer said it was an accordion.
It was you playing the Coventry Carol - "lu lee lu lay." It had
to be the most absolutely beautiful thing I have ever heard on an
accordion.
Listening to you play has given me hope and confirms my own personal
feeling that the accordion is the most beautiful sounding instrument there
is!
Thanks for letting the world know how beautiful an accordion can sound!
A fan of yours,
Tom McGough
Yes, first class mail should get it to you within a week. Just send me a
check for the regular price of the CD
(see
Order Form).
If I remember,
express mail is an extra $10 or $15, but you won't need it at this early
date. I'll mail out the CDs to you tomorrow.
Good to hear from you, Tom, and thanks for remembering me!
Henry
Date: Sat, 9 Dec 2000 13:55:36 -0500
From: thmcg@reliable-net.net
Subject: Thanks!!
Hi, Henry.
Well, guess what, the 4 CD's came in the mail yesterday.
Wow, that was 2 days after you mailed them. Pretty darned good, as much
as we love to complain about the U.S. Mail!!
And now, guess what, I WANT TO ORDER ANOTHER OF YOUR CHRISTMAS CD'S. So,
please drop it in the mail for me, Henry, and I'll send you a check for
$20. I just last night thought of giving one to Jim Hemmelgarn, the
music director in the men's choir that I sing in. He had sent me an
email yesterday, which reads: "This afternoon in my office and I'm
listening to Karl Haas and Adventures in Good Music and he is playing
accordion music. Wow!" So, I thought, I'll give him Henry's CD and he
can really see how good an accordion can sound (in the right hands)!
By the way, Jim heard Karl Haas on WFIU, the FM classical station out of
Indiana University. In fact, it's the station where I first heard your
Christmas CD being played several years ago!
OK, Henry, thanks again, and have a really nice Christmas if I don't talk
to you sooner.
Tom.
