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administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
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Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Draft Files
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Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13521
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13521-001
Folder Title:
National Symphony Orchestra Reception 2/21/90 [OA 4728]
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25
6
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6
NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA RECEPTION / STATE FLOOR
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21 / 5:15 P.M.
GOOD EVENING. AMBASSADOR DUBININ [DEW-BEEN-IN];
AMBASSADOR MURATA [MOOR-AH-TA]; AMBASSADOR ERRAZURIZ
[ER-RAH-ZUR-EES]; AND THEIR LADIES, IT IS A PLEASURE TO
SEE ALL OF YOU HERE. WELCOME ALSO TO THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS, AND MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL SYMPHONY
ORCHESTRA.
- 2 -
To THE MAESTRO ROSTROPOVICH, WE OFFER YOU OUR
HEARTIEST GREETINGS, WE APPLAUD YOUR SUCCESSFUL TOUR --
AND, MOST OF ALL, WE BID YOU A WARM WELCOME HOME.
THE MAESTRO IS KNOWN TO ALL AS "SLAVA," MEANING
"GLORY" IN RUSSIAN. "WHAT GLORIES ON THE EARTH ARE
SURE AND STEADFAST AND UNCHANGED ENDURE?" ASKED
TOLSTOY. ONE THING WE KNOW IS SURE AND STEADFAST: THE
MUSIC -- THE GLORY -- OF SLAVA.
- 3 -
MAESTRO, WE ARE HONORED TO HAVE YOU HERE TONIGHT SO
SOON AFTER YOUR JOURNEY. You ARE INDEED A NATIONAL
TREASURE, AND AMERICA IS PROUD OF YOU. III
THE ORCHESTRA'S LONG-AWAITED TRIP To THE SOVIET
UNION REFLECTS THE DRAMA OF OUR CHANGING WORLD. NONE
OF US HERE COULD HAVE IMAGINED THE RECENT EVENTS THERE,
OR THE CHANGES IN THE LIVES OF YOU AND YOUR WIFE
GALINA, AFTER so MANY YEARS OF WAITING AND HOPING.
R)
- 4 -
IN FACT, THE MORNING AFTER THE BERLIN WALL CAME
DOWN, THE MAESTRO DECIDED HE MUST SEE IT FOR HIMSELF.
TAKING ALONG HIS CELLO, HE ARRIVED IN BERLIN AND TOOK A
TAXI TO THE WALL. THERE, HE BORROWED A CHAIR FROM SOME
NEIGHBORS. AND AS HE BEGAN PLAYING THE JOYOUS STRAINS
OF BACH, A YOUNG GERMAN MAN NEARBY LISTENED ... EYES
CLOSED -- A TEAR ROLLING DOWN HIS CHEEK. THE VISION OF
A NEW WORLD, SPARKLING IN ITS INFANCY, LAY BEFORE
HIM -- THE MAESTRO'S NOTES CELEBRATING ITS ARRIVAL.
- 5 -
SLAVA SAID THAT THE BERLIN WALL "WAS NOT ONLY A
WALL OF POLITICS, BUT A WALL BETWEEN MY OLD FRIENDS AT
HOME AND OUR NEW ONES. Now THAT WALL IS GONE."
MAESTRO, YOU ARE A VIRTUOSO NOT ONLY OF MUSIC, BUT OF
THE HEART AND MIND AS WELL.
LAST WEEK, MAESTRO ROSTROPOVICH WAS WELCOMED BACK
TO THE SOVIET UNION. HUNDREDS OF SPECTATORS AT THE
AIRPORT IN Moscow THREW RED CARNATIONS TO THE MAESTRO
AND HIS WIFE.
- 6 -
THEN THEY CRISSCROSSED THE CITY, VISITING OLD FRIENDS.
AND FINALLY, AT THE BOLSHOI, HE APPEARED BEFORE HIS
COUNTRYMEN. OVATION AFTER OVATION SALUTED THE MUSIC
AND MASTERY OF THIS GREAT MAN, RETURNING TO A PLACE HE
HAD NEVER REALLY LEFT.
HE ASCENDED THE PODIUM AND RAISED HIS BATON FOR THE
FIRST TIME THERE IN SIXTEEN YEARS.
- 7 -
PIERCING THE AIR, ROSTROPOVICH LED THE NATIONAL
SYMPHONY "LIKE A GENERAL LEADING HIS TROOPS INTO
BATTLE," SAID THE CRITICS, PERFORMING THE WORKS OF
SHOSTAKOVICH AND PROKOFIEV [PRAH-KOF-EE-YEV] -- MENTORS
AND BELOVED FRIENDS OF HIS, WHOSE COMPOSITIONS HE HAS
CHAMPIONED HERE IN THE WEST. AND NEXT, THE EXULTANT
PERFORMANCE OF A SYMBOLIC CHOICE -- TCHAIKOVSKY'S
"PATHETIQUE" -- THE LAST SCORE HE CONDUCTED IN Moscow
BEFORE HIS EXILE.
- 8 -
WITH THE HOUSE BROUGHT TO ITS FEET, EXUBERANT AND
INSPIRED, THE MAESTRO CHOSE FOR A FINALE ONE OF THE
MOST TRIUMPHANT AMERICAN SONGS EVER WRITTEN -- "STARS
AND STRIPES FOREVER." THE AUDIENCE YELLED "BRAVO," AND
"MOLODETS" [MUL-LUH-DYETS], "WELL DONE."
SLAVA, THE VIVID COLOR AND THE VERSATILE
COMPOSITIONS THAT YOU CHOOSE FASCINATE LISTENERS THE
WORLD OVER. FOR YOU, NO NUANCE IS ROUTINE, NO NOTE IS
TAKEN FOR GRANTED.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 21, 1990
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON
cw
FROM:
MARY KATE GRANT mkg
SUBJECT:
PROPOSED BRIEF REMARKS
FOR NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA RECEPTION
I. SUMMARY
Attached for your review are proposed brief remarks for the
reception to be held on the State Floor honoring the National
Symphony Orchestra on Wednesday evening, February 22. Mstislav
Rostopovich will play a short cello recital after your remarks,
and the audience will be composed mostly of orchestra members and
boardmembers of the N.S.O.
II. DISCUSSION
The reception is in honor of the orchestra's return from its
tour of Japan and the Soviet Union. As you know, the trip
coincided with the reinstatement of the Maestro's Soviet
citizenship, which was stripped 16 years ago for having harbored
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn in his home. His wife, the soprano Galina
Vishnevskaya, also regained her citizenship. At the suggestion
of the N.S.C., we have kept the comments upbeat and
congratulatory.
Grant/Nappo
February 20, 1990
Draft three
A:NSO
BRIEF REMARKS: NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA RECEPTION
STATE FLOOR
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21
5:15 p.m.
( (Acknowledgements) )
To the Maestro Rostopovich, we offer you our heartiest
greetings, we applaud your successful tour -- and, most of all,
we bid you a warm welcome home.
The Maestro is known to all as "Slava," meaning "Glory" in
Russian. "What glories on the earth are sure and steadfast and
unchanged endure?" asked Tolstoy. One thing we know is sure and
steadfast: the music -- the glory -- of Slava. Maestro, we are
honored to have you and your wife Galina here tonight so soon
after your journey. You are indeed a national treasure, and
America is proud of you.
The orchestra's long-awaited trip to the Soviet Union
reflects the drama of our changing world. None of us here could
have imagined the recent events there, or the changes in the
Galing
lives of you and your wife, after so many years of waiting and
hoping.
In fact, the morning after the Berlin Wall came down, the
Maestro decided he must see it for himself. Taking along his
cello, he arrived in Berlin and took a taxi to the Wall. There,
he borrowed a chair from some neighbors. And as he began playing
the joyous strains of Bach, a young German man nearby listened
2
eyes closed -- a tear rolling down his cheek. The vision of
a new world, sparkling in its infancy, lay before him -- the
Maestro's notes celebrating its arrival.
Slava said that the Berlin Wall "was not only a wall of
politics, but a wall between my old friends at home and our new
ones. Now that wall is gone." Maestro, you are a virtuoso not
only of music, but of the heart and mind as well.
Last week, Maestro Rostopovich was welcomed back to the
Soviet Union. Hundreds of spectators at the airport in Moscow
threw red carnations to the Maestro and his wife. Then they
crisscrossed the city, visiting old friends. And finally, at the
Bolshoi, he appeared before his countrymen. Ovation after
ovation saluted the music and mastery of this great man returning
to a place he had never really left.
He ascended the podium and raised his baton for the first
time there in sixteen years. Piercing the air, Rostopovich led
the National Symphony "like a general leading his troops into
battle," said the critics, performing the works of Shostakovich
and Prokofiev -- mentors and beloved friends of his, whose
compositions he has championed here in the West. And next, the
exultant performance of a symbolic choice of Tchaikovsky's
"Pathetique" -- the last score he conducted in Moscow before his
exile.
With the house brought to its feet, exuberant and inspired,
the Maestro chose for a finale one of the most
3
triumphant American songs ever written -- "Stars and stripes
Forever." The audience yelled "bravo," and "molodets" [mul-luh-
DYETS], "well done."
Slava, the vivid color and the versatile compositions that
you choose fascinate listeners the world over. For you, no
nuance is routine, no note is taken for granted. And for you,
there is no greater passion than for the music of your homeland,
and its composers whom you have never ceased to love.
Looking back on his life, Tolstoy reminisced, "It was the
morning of our days," and indeed today is a new morning in your
life. We look forward to our days ahead with you. Many happy
returns in the years to come. Molodets, Slava.
Welcome back, old friend. God bless you, and God bless the
United States of America.
###
Document No. 11422555
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
2/21/90
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA RECEPTION
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
PORTER ROSE
FIRESTONE
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
The attached has been forwarded to the President.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
1990 FEB 20
PM
12
February 21, 1990
53
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON
cw
FROM:
MARY KATE GRANT mkg
SUBJECT:
PROPOSED BRIEF REMARKS
FOR NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA RECEPTION
I. SUMMARY
Attached for your review are proposed brief remarks for the
reception to be held on the State Floor honoring the National
Symphony Orchestra on Wednesday evening, February 22. Mstislav
Rostopovich will play a short cello recital after your remarks,
and the audience will be composed mostly of orchestra members and
boardmembers of the N.S.O.
II. DISCUSSION
The reception is in honor of the orchestra's return from its
tour of Japan and the Soviet Union. As you know, the trip
coincided with the reinstatement of the Maestro's Soviet
citizenship, which was stripped 16 years ago for having harbored
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn in his home. His wife, the soprano Galina
Vishnevskaya, also regained her citizenship. At the suggestion
of the N.S.C., we have kept the comments upbeat and
congratulatory.
Grant/Nappo
February 20, 1990
Draft three
A:NSO
BRIEF REMARKS: NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA RECEPTION
STATE FLOOR
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21
5:15 p.m.
( (Acknowledgements))
To the Maestro Rostopovich, we offer you our heartiest
greetings, we applaud your successful tour -- and, most of all,
we bid you a warm welcome home.
The Maestro is known to all as "Slava," meaning "Glory" in
Russian. "What glories on the earth are sure and steadfast and
unchanged endure?" asked Tolstoy. One thing we know is sure and
steadfast: the music -- the glory -- of Slava. Maestro, we are
honored to have you and your wife Galina here tonight so soon
after your journey. You are indeed a national treasure, and
America is proud of you.
The orchestra's long-awaited trip to the Soviet Union
reflects the drama of our changing world. None of us here could
have imagined the recent events there, or the changes in the
lives of you and your wife, after so many years of waiting and
hoping.
In fact, the morning after the Berlin Wall came down, the
Maestro decided he must see it for himself. Taking along his
cello, he arrived in Berlin and took a taxi to the Wall. There,
he borrowed a chair from some neighbors. And as he began playing
the joyous strains of Bach, a young German man nearby listened
2
eyes closed -- a tear rolling down his cheek. The vision of
a new world, sparkling in its infancy, lay before him -- the
Maestro's notes celebrating its arrival.
Slava said that the Berlin Wall "was not only a wall of
politics, but a wall between my old friends at home and our new
ones. Now that wall is gone." Maestro, you are a virtuoso not
only of music, but of the heart and mind as well.
Last week, Maestro Rostopovich was welcomed back to the
Soviet Union. Hundreds of spectators at the airport in Moscow
threw red carnations to the Maestro and his wife. Then they
crisscrossed the city, visiting old friends. And finally, at the
Bolshoi, he appeared before his countrymen. Ovation after
ovation saluted the music and mastery of this great man returning
to a place he had never really left.
He ascended the podium and raised his baton for the first
time there in sixteen years. Piercing the air, Rostopovich led
the National Symphony "like a general leading his troops into
battle," said the critics, performing the works of Shostakovich
and Prokofiev -- mentors and beloved friends of his, whose
compositions he has championed here in the West. And next, the
exultant performance of a symbolic choice of Tchaikovsky's
"Pathetique" -- the last score he conducted in Moscow before his
exile.
With the house brought to its feet, exuberant and inspired,
the Maestro chose for a finale one of the most
3
triumphant American songs ever written -- "Stars and stripes
Forever." The audience yelled "bravo," and "molodets" [mul-luh-
DYETS], "well done."
Slava, the vivid color and the versatile compositions that
you choose fascinate listeners the world over. For you, no
nuance is routine, no note is taken for granted. And for you,
there is no greater passion than for the music of your homeland,
and its composers whom you have never ceased to love.
Looking back on his life, Tolstoy reminisced, "It was the
morning of our days," and indeed today is a new morning in your
life. We look forward to our days ahead with you. Many happy
returns in the years to come. Molodets, Slava.
Welcome back, old friend. God bless you, and God bless the
United States of America.
###
Document No. 114225SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
2/15/90
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
2/16/90 2:00 PM
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA RECEPTION
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
ROGERS
CARD
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
FIRESTONE
GRAY
PORTER ROSE
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than 2:00 PM, Friday, February 16, with a copy
to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
minor
Comment
IE :6v 91 833 06
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Grant/Nappo
1990 FEB 15 AM 11: 05
February 15, 1990
Draft two
A:NSO
BRIEF REMARKS: NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA RECEPTION
STATE FLOOR
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21
TIME?
((Acknowledgements))
To the Maestro Rostopovich, we offer you our heartiest
greetings, we applaud your successful tour -- and, of course, we
bid you a warm welcome home.
The Maestro is known to all as "Slava," meaning "Glory" in
Russian. "What glories on the earth are sure and steadfast and
unchanged endure?" asked the great Russian writer Tolstoy. One
thing we know is sure and steadfast: the music -- the glory --
of Slava. Maestro, we are honored to have you and your wife
Galina here tonight so soon after your journey. You are indeed a
national treasure, and America is proud of you.
The orchestra's long-awaited trip to the Soviet Union
reflects the drama of our changing world. None of us here would
have imagined the recent events, and the changes in the lives of
you and your wife, after so many years of waiting and hoping.
In fact, the morning after the Berlin Wall came down, the
Maestro decided he must see it for himself. Taking along his
cello, he arrived in Berlin and took a taxi to the Wall,
borrowing a chair from some neighbors. And as he began playing
the joyous strains of Bach, a young German man nearby listened
eyes closed -- a tear rolling down his cheek. The vision of
2
a new world, sparkling in its infancy, lay before him -- the
Maestro's notes celebrating its arrival.
Slava said that the Berlin Wall "was not only a wall of
politics, but a wall between my old friends at home and our new
ones. Now that wall is gone." Maestro, you are a virtuoso of
not only music, but of the heart and mind as well.
Last week, Slava was welcomed back to the Soviet Union.
Hundreds of spectators at the airport in Moscow threw red
carnations to the Maestro and his wife. Then they crisscrossed
the city, visiting old friends. And finally, at the Bolshoi, he
appeared before his countrymen. Ovation after ovation saluted
the music and mastery of this
not only a great musician but a great man returning to a place he
had never really left.
Slava ascended the podium and raised his baton for the first
time there in sixteen years. Piercing the air, Rostopovich led
the National Symphony "like a general leading his troops into
battle," said the critics, performing the works of Shostakovich
and Prokofiev -- mentors and beloved friends of his, whose
compositions he has championed here in the West. And next, the
symbolic choice and exultant performance of Tchaikovsky's
"Pathetique" -- the last score Slava conducted in Moscow before
his exile.
With the house brought to its feet, exuberant and inspired,
the Maestro chose for a finale one of the most
3
triumphant American songs ever written -- "Stars and Stripes
Forever." The audience yelled "bravo," and "molodets"
[pronunciation to come], "well done."
Slava, the vivid color and the versatile compositions that
you choose fascinate listeners the world over. For you, no
nuance is routine, no note is taken for granted. And for you,
there is no greater passion than for the music of your homeland,
and its composers whom you have never ceased to love.
Looking back on his life, Tolstoy reminisced, "It was the
morning of our days," and indeed today is a new morning in your
life. We look forward to our days ahead with you. Many happy
returns in the years to come. Molodets, Slava.
Welcome back, old friend. God bless you, and God bless the
United States of America.
###
Document No. 114225SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
2/15/90
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2/16/90 2:00 PM
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA RECEPTION
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE N/C
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER N/C
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
ROGERS
CARD
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
FIRESTONE
GRAY
PORTER ROSE
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than 2:00 PM, Friday, February 16, with a copy
to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Grant/Nappo
1990 FEB 15 AM 11: 05
February 15, 1990
Draft two
A:NSO
BRIEF REMARKS: NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA RECEPTION
STATE FLOOR
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21
TIME?
((Acknowledgements)
To the Maestro Rostopovich, we offer you our heartiest
most $ of all
greetings, we applaud your successful tour -- and, of course, we
bid you a warm welcome home.
The Maestro is known to all as "Slava," meaning "Glory" in
Russian. "What glories on the earth are sure and steadfast and
unchanged endure?" asked the great Russian writer Tolstoy. One
thing we know is sure and steadfast: the music -- the glory --
of Slava. Maestro, we are honored to have you and your wife
Galina here tonight so soon after your journey. You are indeed a
national treasure, and America is proud of you.
The orchestra's long-awaited trip to the Soviet Union
reflects the drama of our changing world. None of us here would
there or
have imagined the recent events. and the changes in the lives of
you and your wife, after so many years of waiting and hoping.
In fact, the morning after the Berlin Wall came down, the
Maestro decided he must see it for himself. Taking along his
cello, he arrived in Berlin and took a taxi to the Wall, There, he
ed
borrowing a chair from some neighbors. And as he began playing
the joyous strains of Bach, a young German man nearby listened
...
eyes closed -- a tear rolling down his cheek. The vision of
2
a new world, sparkling in its infancy, lay before him -- the
Maestro's notes celebrating its arrival.
Slava said that the Berlin Wall "was not only a wall of
politics, but a wall between my old friends at home and our new
ones. Now that wall is gone." Maestro, you are a virtuoso of
of
not only music, but of the heart and mind as well.
Maistro RUSTOPOVICH
Last week, Slava was welcomed back to the Soviet Union.
Hundreds of spectators at the airport in Moscow threw red
carnations to the Maestro and his wife. Then they crisscrossed
the city, visiting old friends. And finally, at the Bolshoi, he
appeared before his countrymen. Ovation after ovation saluted
the music and mastery of this
not only a great musician but a great man returning to a place he
had never really left.
He
Slava ascended the podium and raised his baton for the first
time there in sixteen years. Piercing the air, Rostopovich led
the National Symphony "like a general leading his troops into
battle," said the critics, performing the works of Shostakovich
Chun
and Prokofiev mentors and beloved friends of his, whose
compositions he has championed here in the West. And next, the
of
symbolic choice and exultant performance of Tchaikovsky's
he
"Pathetique" -- the last score Slava conducted in Moscow before
his exile.
With the house brought to its feet, exuberant and inspired,
the Maestro chose for a finale one of the most
3
triumphant American songs ever written -- "Stars and Stripes
Forever." The audience yelled "bravo," and "molodets" [MUL-luh-DYETS]
[pronunciation to come], "well done."
Slava, the vivid color and the versatile compositions that
you choose fascinate listeners the world over. For you, no
nuance is routine, no note is taken for granted. And for you,
there is no greater passion than for the music of your homeland,
and its composers whom you have never ceased to love.
Looking back on his life, Tolstoy reminisced, "It was the
morning of our days," and indeed today is a new morning in your
life. We look forward to our days ahead with you. Many happy
returns in the years to come. Molodets, Slava.
Welcome back, old friend. God bless you, and God bless the
United States of America.
# # #
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 2-15-90 ; 1:48PM :
2024562397-
2024566218:# 1
Document No. 114225SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 2/15/90
ACTTON/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
2/16/90 2:00 PM
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA RECEPTION
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
FIRESTONE
GRAY
PORTER ROSE
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than 2:00 PM, Friday, February 16, with a copy
to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
No comment
23 : 1 ₫ 51833 06
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Document No. 114225SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
2/15/90
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
2/16/90 2:00 PM
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA RECEPTION
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
ROGERS
CARD
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
FIRESTONE
GRAY
PORTER ROSE
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than 2:00 PM, Friday, February 16, with a copy
to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
Recommend using his wye's name
see attached shk., FEBLY suggestions.
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
spr
Grant/Nappo
February 15, 1990
1990 FEB 15 AM 11: 05
Draft two
A:NSO
BRIEF REMARKS: NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA RECEPTION
STATE FLOOR
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21
TIME?
( (Acknowledgements) )
To the Maestro Rostopovich, we offer you our
heartiest hurst of all
greetings, we applaud your successful tour -- and, of course, we
bid you a warm welcome home.
The Maestro is known to all as "Slava," meaning "Glory" in
Russian. "What glories on the earth are sure and steadfast and
unchanged endure?" asked the great Russian writer Tolstoy. One
thing we know is sure and steadfast: the music -- the glory --
of Slava. Maestro, we are honored to have you and your wife
Galina here tonight so soon after your journey. You are indeed a
national treasure, and America is proud of you.
The orchestra's long-awaited trip to the Soviet Union
reflects the drama of our changing world. None of us here would
have imagined the recent events, and the changes in the lives of
you and your wife, after so many years of waiting and hoping.
In fact, the morning after the Berlin Wall came down, the
Maestro decided he must see it for himself. Taking along his
cello, he arrived in Berlin and took a taxi to the Wall, There he
borrowing a chair from some neighbors. And as he began playing
the joyous strains of Bach, a young German man nearby listened
... eyes closed -- a tear rolling down his cheek. The vision of
2
and
a new world, sparkling in its infancy, lay before him --
the
Maestro's notes celebrating its arrival.
Slava said that the Berlin Wall "was not only a wall of
politics, but a wall between my old friends at home and our new
ones. Now that wall is gone." Maestro, you are a virtuoso of
of
not only music, but of the heart and mind as well.
Last week, Slava was welcomed back to the Soviet Union.
Hundreds of spectators at the airport in Moscow threw red
carnations to the Maestro and his wife. Then they crisscrossed
the city, visiting old friends. And finally, at the Bolshoi, he
appeared before his countrymen. and Ovation after ovation saluted
not only a great musician but 2 a great man returning to a place he
had never really left.
Slava ascended the podium and raised his baton for the first
time there in sixteen years. Piercing the air, Rostopovich led
the National Symphony "like a general leading his troops into
battle," said the critics, performing the works of Shostakovich
and Prokofiev -- mentors and beloved friends of his, whose
then
compositions he has championed here in the West. And next, the
oja
the
symbolic choice and exultant performance of Tchaikovsky's
"Pathetique" -- the last score Slava conducted in Moscow before
his exile.
With the house brought to its feet, exuberant and inspired,
the Maestro chose for a finale one of the most
3
triumphant American songs ever written -- "Stars and Stripes
Forever." The audience yelled "bravo," and "molodets"
[pronunciation to come], "well done."
Slava, the vivid color and the versatile compositions that
you choose fascinate listeners the world over. For you, no
nuance is routine, no note is taken for granted. And for you,
there is no greater passion than for the music of your homeland,
and its composers. whom you have never ceased to love.
Looking back on his life, Tolstoy reminisced, "It was the
morning of our days," and indeed today is a new morning in your
life. We look forward to our days ahead with you. Many happy
returns in the years to come. Molodets, Slava.
Welcome back, old friend. God bless you, and God bless the
United States of America.
###
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 16, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
FOR COMMUNICATIONS
FROM:
NELSON LUND mj
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Draft Presidential Remarks: National Symphony
Orchestra Reception
At the request of James W. Cicconi, Counsel's office has reviewed
the captioned remarks. We have no legal objections. Minor
editorial suggestions are marked on pp. 1 and 2 of the attached
hard copy.
We appreciate having had the opportunity to review these remarks.
Attachment
CC: James W. Cicconi
9, 91:1d 91 06
Grant/Nappo
1990 FEB 15 AM 11: 05
February 15, 1990
Draft two
A:NSO
BRIEF REMARKS: NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA RECEPTION
STATE FLOOR
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21
TIME?
((Acknowledgements))
To the Maestro Rostopovich, we offer you our heartiest
greetings, we applaud your successful tour -- and, of course, we
bid you a warm welcome home.
The Maestro is known to all as "Slava," meaning "Glory" in
Russian. "What glories on the earth are sure and steadfast and
unchanged endure?" asked the great Russian writer Tolstoy. One
thing we know is sure and steadfast: the music -- the glory --
of Slava. Maestro, we are honored to have you and your wife
Galina here tonight so soon after your journey. You are indeed a
national treasure, and America is proud of you.
The orchestra's long-awaited trip to the Soviet Union
reflects the drama of our changing world. None of us here would
have imagined the recent events, and the changes in the lives of
you and your wife, after so many years of waiting and hoping.
In fact, the morning after the Berlin Wall came down, the
Maestro decided he must see it for himself. Taking along his
cello, he arrived in Berlin and took a taxi to the Wall,
borrowing a chair from some neighbors. And as he began playing
the joyous strains of Bach, a young German man nearby listened
eyes closed -- a tear rolling down his cheek. The vision of
2
a new world, sparkling in its infancy, lay before him -- the
Maestro's notes celebrating its arrival.
Slava said that the Berlin Wall "was not only a wall of
politics, but a wall between my old friends at home and our new
ones. Now that wall is gone." Maestro, you are a virtuoso
of
of
not only music, but of the heart and mind as well.
Last week, Slava was welcomed back to the Soviet Union.
Hundreds of spectators at the airport in Moscow threw red
carnations to the Maestro and his wife. Then they crisscrossed
the city, visiting old friends. And finally, at the Bolshoi, he
appeared before his countrymen. Ovation after ovation saluted
not only a great musician but a great man returning to a place he
had never really left.
Slava ascended the podium and raised his baton for the first
time there in sixteen years. Piercing the air, Rostopovich led
the National Symphony "like a general leading his troops into
battle," said the critics, performing the works of Shostakovich
and Prokofiev -- mentors and beloved friends of his, whose
compositions he has championed here in the West. And next, the
symbolic choice and exultant performance of Tchaikovsky's
"Pathetique" -- the last score Slava conducted in Moscow before
his exile.
With the house brought to its feet, exuberant and inspired,
the Maestro chose for a finale one of the most
3
triumphant American songs ever written -- "Stars and Stripes
Forever." The audience yelled "bravo," and "molodets"
[pronunciation to come], "well done."
Slava, the vivid color and the versatile compositions that
you choose fascinate listeners the world over. For you, no
nuance is routine, no note is taken for granted. And for you,
there is no greater passion than for the music of your homeland,
and its composers whom you have never ceased to love.
Looking back on his life, Tolstoy reminisced, "It was the
morning of our days," and indeed today is a new morning in your
life. We look forward to our days ahead with you. Many happy
returns in the years to come. Molodets, Slava.
Welcome back, old friend. God bless you, and God bless the
United States of America.
###
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 16, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
FROM:
JIM PINKERTON &
SUBJECT:
Draft Remarks: National Symphony Reception
A few comments on a fine draft:
pg.2, para. 2, line 1 "Slava said
"
At this point the use of sobriquets for Mr. Rostropovich
becomes a little too much. Calling him "Maestro"
repeatedly is enough. When we switch here to "Slava," it
begins to look fulsome, almost worshipful, and contrived.
2,4,4 " Shostakovich and Prokofiev - - mentors and
beloved friends of his
"
Whether Prokofiev was a friend of Rostropovich needs
checking, if it hasn't been already. The two are
separated by almost 40 years in age.
###
st : 212 91 833 06
Document No. 114225SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
1254
DATE:
2/15/90
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
2/16/90 2:00 PM
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA RECEPTION
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
ROGERS
CARD
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
FIRESTONE
GRAY
PORTER ROSE
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than 2:00 PM, Friday, February 16, with a copy
to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
February 16, 1990
TO: CHRISS WINSTON
NSC concurs. Note addition of pronunciation on page 3.
29 91833 91 06
Brent 19th Jr Scowcroft
James W. Cicconi
CC: James W. Cicconi
(moving
remarks)
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Grant/Nappo
February 15, 1990
1990 FEB 15 AM 11: 05
Draft two
A:NSO
BRIEF REMARKS: NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA RECEPTION
STATE FLOOR
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21
TIME?
((Acknowledgements) )
To the Maestro Rostopovich, we offer you our heartiest
greetings, we applaud your successful tour -- and, of course, we
bid you a warm welcome home.
The Maestro is known to all as "Slava," meaning "Glory" in
Russian. "What glories on the earth are sure and steadfast and
unchanged endure?" asked the great Russian writer Tolstoy. One
thing we know is sure and steadfast: the music -- the glory --
of Slava. Maestro, we are honored to have you and your wife
Galina here tonight so soon after your journey. You are indeed a
national treasure, and America is proud of you.
The orchestra's long-awaited trip to the Soviet Union
reflects the drama of our changing world. None of us here would
have imagined the recent events, and the changes in the lives of
you and your wife, after so many years of waiting and hoping.
In fact, the morning after the Berlin Wall came down, the
Maestro decided he must see it for himself. Taking along his
cello, he arrived in Berlin and took a taxi to the Wall,
borrowing a chair from some neighbors. And as he began playing
the joyous strains of Bach, a young German man nearby listened
eyes closed -- a tear rolling down his cheek. The vision of
2
a new world, sparkling in its infancy, lay before him -- the
Maestro's notes celebrating its arrival.
Slava said that the Berlin Wall "was not only a wall of
politics, but a wall between my old friends at home and our new
ones. Now that wall is gone." Maestro, you are a virtuoso of
not only music, but of the heart and mind as well.
Last week, Slava was welcomed back to the Soviet Union.
Hundreds of spectators at the airport in Moscow threw red
carnations to the Maestro and his wife. Then they crisscrossed
the city, visiting old friends. And finally, at the Bolshoi, he
appeared before his countrymen. Ovation after ovation saluted
not only a great musician but a great man returning to a place he
had never really left.
Slava ascended the podium and raised his baton for the first
time there in sixteen years. Piercing the air, Rostopovich led
the National Symphony "like a general leading his troops into
battle," said the critics, performing the works of Shostakovich
and Prokofiev -- mentors and beloved friends of his, whose
compositions he has championed here in the West. And next, the
symbolic choice and exultant performance of Tchaikovsky's
"Pathetique" -- the last score Slava conducted in Moscow before
his exile.
With the house brought to its feet, exuberant and inspired,
the Maestro chose for a finale one of the most
3
triumphant American songs ever written -- "Stars and Stripes
Forever." The audience yelled "bravo," and "molodets" (muh-luh-DYETS]
[pronunciation to come], "well done."
Slava, the vivid color and the versatile compositions that
you choose fascinate listeners the world over. For you, no
nuance is routine, no note is taken for granted. And for you,
there is no greater passion than for the music of your homeland,
and its composers whom you have never ceased to love.
Looking back on his life, Tolstoy reminisced, "It was the
morning of our days," and indeed today is a new morning in your
life. We look forward to our days ahead with you. Many happy
returns in the years to come. Molodets, Slava.
Welcome back, old friend. God bless you, and God bless the
United States of America.
###
Document No. 114225SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
2/15/90
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2/16/90 2:00 PM
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA RECEPTION
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
ROGERS
CARD
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
FIRESTONE
GRAY
PORTER ROSE
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than 2:00 PM, Friday, February 16, with a copy
to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
OK. S.R.
8th :2d 91 833 06
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Grant/Nappo
1990 FEB 15 AM 11: 05
February 15, 1990
Draft two
A:NSO
BRIEF REMARKS: NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA RECEPTION
STATE FLOOR
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21
TIME?
((Acknowledgements))
To the Maestro Rostopovich, we offer you our heartiest
greetings, we applaud your successful tour -- and, of course, we
bid you a warm welcome home.
The Maestro is known to all as "Slava," meaning "Glory" in
Russian. "What glories on the earth are sure and steadfast and
unchanged endure?" asked the great Russian writer Tolstoy. One
thing we know is sure and steadfast: the music -- the glory --
of Slava. Maestro, we are honored to have you and your wife
Galina here tonight so soon after your journey. You are indeed a
national treasure, and America is proud of you.
The orchestra's long-awaited trip to the Soviet Union
reflects the drama of our changing world. None of us here would
have imagined the recent events, and the changes in the lives of
you and your wife, after so many years of waiting and hoping.
In fact, the morning after the Berlin Wall came down, the
Maestro decided he must see it for himself. Taking along his
cello, he arrived in Berlin and took a taxi to the Wall,
borrowing a chair from some neighbors. And as he began playing
the joyous strains of Bach, a young German man nearby listened
eyes closed -- a tear rolling down his cheek. The vision of
2
a new world, sparkling in its infancy, lay before him -- the
Maestro's notes celebrating its arrival.
Slava said that the Berlin Wall "was not only a wall of
politics, but a wall between my old friends at home and our new
ones. Now that wall is gone." Maestro, you are a virtuoso of
not only music, but of the heart and mind as well.
Last week, Slava was welcomed back to the Soviet Union.
Hundreds of spectators at the airport in Moscow threw red
carnations to the Maestro and his wife. Then they crisscrossed
the city, visiting old friends. And finally, at the Bolshoi, he
appeared before his countrymen. Ovation after ovation saluted
not only a great musician but a great man returning to a place he
had never really left.
Slava ascended the podium and raised his baton for the first
time there in sixteen years. Piercing the air, Rostopovich led
the National Symphony "like a general leading his troops into
battle," said the critics, performing the works of Shostakovich
and Prokofiev -- mentors and beloved friends of his, whose
compositions he has championed here in the West. And next, the
symbolic choice and exultant performance of Tchaikovsky's
"Pathetique" -- the last score Slava conducted in Moscow before
his exile.
With the house brought to its feet, exuberant and inspired,
the Maestro chose for a finale one of the most
3
triumphant American songs ever written -- "Stars and Stripes
Forever." The audience yelled "bravo," " and "molodets"
[pronunciation to come], "well done."
Slava, the vivid color and the versatile compositions that
you choose fascinate listeners the world over. For you, no
nuance is routine, no note is taken for granted. And for you,
there is no greater passion than for the music of your homeland,
and its composers whom you have never ceased to love.
Looking back on his life, Tolstoy reminisced, "It was the
morning of our days," and indeed today is a new morning in your
life. We look forward to our days ahead with you. Many happy
returns in the years to come. Molodets, Slava.
Welcome back, old friend. God bless you, and God bless the
United States of America.
###
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 15, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
FROM:
ROGER B. PORTER RBP
SUBJECT:
Presidential Remarks: National Symphony Orchestra
Reception
We have reviewed the draft and have no comments from a
policy standpoint.
CC: James W. Cicconi
€0:80 0283306
Document No. 114225SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
2/15/90
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
2/16/90 2:00 PM
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA RECEPTION
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
ROGERS
CARD
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
FIRESTONE
GRAY
PORTER ROSE
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than 2:00 PM, Friday, February 16, with a copy
to my office. Thank you.
ok
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Grant/Nappo
February 15, 1990
1990 FEB 15 AM 11: 05
Draft two
A:NSO
BRIEF REMARKS: NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA RECEPTION
STATE FLOOR
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21
TIME?
((Acknowledgements))
To the Maestro Rostopovich, we offer you our heartiest
greetings, we applaud your successful tour -- and, of course, we
bid you a warm welcome home.
The Maestro is known to all as "Slava," meaning "Glory" in
Russian. "What glories on the earth are sure and steadfast and
unchanged endure?" asked the great Russian writer Tolstoy. One
thing we know is sure and steadfast: the music -- the glory --
of Slava. Maestro, we are honored to have you and your wife
Galina here tonight so soon after your journey. You are indeed a
national treasure, and America is proud of you.
The orchestra's long-awaited trip to the Soviet Union
reflects the drama of our changing world. None of us here would
have imagined the recent events, and the changes in the lives of
you and your wife, after so many years of waiting and hoping.
In fact, the morning after the Berlin Wall came down, the
Maestro decided he must see it for himself. Taking along his
cello, he arrived in Berlin and took a taxi to the Wall,
borrowing a chair from some neighbors. And as he began playing
the joyous strains of Bach, a young German man nearby listened
eyes closed -- a tear rolling down his cheek. The vision of
2
a new world, sparkling in its infancy, lay before him -- the
Maestro's notes celebrating its arrival.
Slava said that the Berlin Wall "was not only a wall of
politics, but a wall between my old friends at home and our new
ones. Now that wall is gone." Maestro, you are a virtuoso of
not only music, but of the heart and mind as well.
Last week, Slava was welcomed back to the Soviet Union.
Hundreds of spectators at the airport in Moscow threw red
carnations to the Maestro and his wife. Then they crisscrossed
the city, visiting old friends. And finally, at the Bolshoi, he
appeared before his countrymen. Ovation after ovation saluted
not only a great musician but a great man returning to a place he
had never really left.
Slava ascended the podium and raised his baton for the first
time there in sixteen years. Piercing the air, Rostopovich led
the National Symphony "like a general leading his troops into
battle," said the critics, performing the works of Shostakovich
and Prokofiev -- mentors and beloved friends of his, whose
compositions he has championed here in the West. And next, the
symbolic choice and exultant performance of Tchaikovsky's
"Pathetique" -- the last score Slava conducted in Moscow before
his exile.
With the house brought to its feet, exuberant and inspired,
the Maestro chose for a finale one of the most
3
triumphant American songs ever written -- "Stars and Stripes
Forever." The audience yelled "bravo," and "molodets"
[pronunciation to come], "well done."
Slava, the vivid color and the versatile compositions that
you choose fascinate listeners the world over. For you, no
nuance is routine, no note is taken for granted. And for you,
there is no greater passion than for the music of your homeland,
and its composers whom you have never ceased to love.
Looking back on his life, Tolstoy reminisced, "It was the
morning of our days," and indeed today is a new morning in your
life. We look forward to our days ahead with you. Many happy
returns in the years to come. Molodets, Slava.
Welcome back, old friend. God bless you, and God bless the
United States of America.
# # #
SUGGESTED INSERT FOR ROSTOPOVICH
After the Moscow concert, the musicians held a raucous party
backstage. Champagne corks bouncing off the walls, people
hugging and celebrating wildly. But the Maestro never arrived.
He changed in his dressing room, packed up his cello, and went
out onto the street alone in the falling snow, to wander alone
and remember.
The musical highlight of the tour occurred in Leningrad,
when the orchestra played Shostakovich's Seventh Symphony. This
piece is a tribute to the people of Leningrad who fought for
three years against the Nazis in World War II, but afterward
Rostapovich refused to play an encore. Rather, he held his copy
of the score overhead, humbly suggesting to the audience that
their applause should go instead to the great composer.
Before leaving Leningrad to come home, the Maestro said, "I
knew all the time that my spirit would return here when I did,
that they would say that Rostopovich was a real patriot and a
real musician. That I knew. What I didn't know was that all
this would take place in my lifetime."
NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA RECEPTION / STATE FLOOR
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21 / 5:15 P.M.
GOOD EVENING. AMBASSADOR DUBININ [DEW-BEEN-IN];
AMBASSADOR MURATA [MOOR-AH-TA]; AMBASSADOR ERRAZURIZ
[ER-RAH-ZUR-EES]; AND THEIR LADIES, IT IS A PLEASURE TO
SEE ALL OF YOU HERE. WELCOME ALSO TO THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS, AND MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL SYMPHONY
ORCHESTRA.
- 2 -
To THE MAESTRO ROSTROPOVICH, WE OFFER YOU OUR
HEARTIEST GREETINGS, WE APPLAUD YOUR SUCCESSFUL TOUR --
AND, MOST OF ALL, WE BID YOU A WARM WELCOME HOME.
THE MAESTRO IS KNOWN TO ALL AS "SLAVA," MEANING
"GLORY" IN RUSSIAN. "WHAT GLORIES ON THE EARTH ARE
SURE AND STEADFAST AND UNCHANGED ENDURE?" ASKED
TOLSTOY. ONE THING WE KNOW IS SURE AND STEADFAST: THE
MUSIC -- THE GLORY -- OF SLAVA.
- 3 -
MAESTRO, WE ARE HONORED TO HAVE YOU HERE TONIGHT SO
SOON AFTER YOUR JOURNEY. You ARE INDEED A NATIONAL
TREASURE, AND AMERICA IS PROUD OF You.\\\
THE ORCHESTRA'S LONG-AWAITED TRIP TO THE SOVIET
UNION REFLECTS THE DRAMA OF OUR CHANGING WORLD. NONE
OF US HERE COULD HAVE IMAGINED THE RECENT EVENTS THERE,
OR THE CHANGES IN THE LIVES OF YOU AND YOUR WIFE
GALINA, AFTER SO MANY YEARS OF WAITING AND HOPING.
R)
- 4 -
IN FACT, THE MORNING AFTER THE BERLIN WALL CAME
DOWN, THE MAESTRO DECIDED HE MUST SEE IT FOR HIMSELF.
TAKING ALONG HIS CELLO, HE ARRIVED IN BERLIN AND TOOK A
TAXI TO THE WALL. THERE, HE BORROWED A CHAIR FROM SOME
NEIGHBORS. AND AS HE BEGAN PLAYING THE JOYOUS STRAINS
OF BACH, A YOUNG GERMAN MAN NEARBY LISTENED ... EYES
CLOSED -- A TEAR ROLLING DOWN HIS CHEEK. THE VISION OF
A NEW WORLD, SPARKLING IN ITS INFANCY, LAY BEFORE
HIM -- THE MAESTRO'S NOTES CELEBRATING ITS ARRIVAL.
- 5 -
SLAVA SAID THAT THE BERLIN WALL "WAS NOT ONLY A
WALL OF POLITICS, BUT A WALL BETWEEN MY OLD FRIENDS AT
HOME AND OUR NEW ONES. Now THAT WALL IS GONE."
MAESTRO, YOU ARE A VIRTUOSO NOT ONLY OF MUSIC, BUT OF
THE HEART AND MIND AS WELL.
LAST WEEK, MAESTRO ROSTROPOVICH WAS WELCOMED BACK
TO THE SOVIET UNION. HUNDREDS OF SPECTATORS AT THE
AIRPORT IN Moscow THREW RED CARNATIONS TO THE MAESTRO
AND HIS WIFE.
- 6 -
THEN THEY CRISSCROSSED THE CITY, VISITING OLD FRIENDS.
AND FINALLY, AT THE BOLSHOI, HE APPEARED BEFORE HIS
COUNTRYMEN. OVATION AFTER OVATION SALUTED THE MUSIC
AND MASTERY OF THIS GREAT MAN, RETURNING TO A PLACE HE
HAD NEVER REALLY LEFT.
HE ASCENDED THE PODIUM AND RAISED HIS BATON FOR THE
FIRST TIME THERE IN SIXTEEN YEARS.
- 7 -
PIERCING THE AIR, ROSTROPOVICH LED THE NATIONAL
SYMPHONY "LIKE A GENERAL LEADING HIS TROOPS INTO
BATTLE," SAID THE CRITICS, PERFORMING THE WORKS OF
SHOSTAKOVICH AND PROKOFIEV [PRAH-KOF-EE-YEV] -- MENTORS
AND BELOVED FRIENDS OF HIS, WHOSE COMPOSITIONS HE HAS
CHAMPIONED HERE IN THE WEST. AND NEXT, THE EXULTANT
PERFORMANCE OF A SYMBOLIC CHOICE -- TCHAIKOVSKY'S
"PATHETIQUE" -- THE LAST SCORE HE CONDUCTED IN Moscow
BEFORE HIS EXILE.
- 8 -
WITH THE HOUSE BROUGHT To ITS FEET, EXUBERANT AND
INSPIRED, THE MAESTRO CHOSE FOR A FINALE ONE OF THE
MOST TRIUMPHANT AMERICAN SONGS EVER WRITTEN -- "STARS
AND STRIPES FOREVER." THE AUDIENCE YELLED "BRAVO," AND
"MOLODETS" [MUL-LUH-DYETS], "WELL DONE."
SLAVA, THE VIVID COLOR AND THE VERSATILE
COMPOSITIONS THAT YOU CHOOSE FASCINATE LISTENERS THE
WORLD OVER. FOR YOU, NO NUANCE IS ROUTINE, NO NOTE IS
TAKEN FOR GRANTED.
- 9 -
AND FOR YOU, THERE IS NO GREATER PASSION THAN FOR THE
MUSIC OF YOUR HOMELAND, AND ITS COMPOSERS WHOM YOU HAVE
NEVER CEASED TO LOVE.
LOOKING BACK ON HIS LIFE, TOLSTOY REMINISCED, "Iт
WAS THE MORNING OF OUR DAYS," AND INDEED TODAY IS A NEW
MORNING IN YOUR LIFE. WE LOOK FORWARD TO OUR DAYS
AHEAD WITH YOU. MANY HAPPY RETURNS IN THE YEARS TO
COME. MOLODETS, [MUL-LUH-DYETS] SLAVA.
- 10 -
WELCOME BACK, OLD FRIEND. GOD BLESS YOU, AND GOD
BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
AND NOW, LET THE CONCERT BEGIN ... [ROSTROPOVICH To
PLAY CELLO]
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