AHJ, Vol. 7 No. 1, Summer 1979

Let Us Get
Acquainted
With Our
Composers
Pearl Chertok
NUNCIO MONDELLO
Nuncio Mondello was born in Boston and became 1
clarinetist and saxophone player of international fame
as a teenager, when he was featured with the Benny
Goodman Orchestra and known as "Toots Mondello".
He turned to studying the flute with James Pappoutsakis
and composition with Wallingford Riegger, Schillinger
and Paul Creston. He became a staff woodwind
player for the Columbia Broadcasting System and
started to write for all the instruments that surrounded
him. He has written extensively for chamber ensembles
and symphony orchestra. He has also recently published
a method for saxophone.
For harp he has written a Sonatina, two dances: a
Siciliana and Salterello, and Poem for flute and harp,
dedicated to James Pappoutsakis, flutist and Louise
Pappoutsakis, harpist.
When asked how he felt about writing for harp, Mr.
Mondello replied: "At first I found the harp very confusing,
between all those strings and pedals. I was
pleasantly surprised to find that the harp can play legato
and sostenuto and am always intrigued to hear the
music that harpists have written: after all, no one knows
the harp as well as one who plays it. Now I think that I
shall write a work for harp and clarinet or saxophone.''
One of my favorite tales about Nuncio Mondello occurred
at a recording session at CBS when we were going
to record the Poem for flute and harp. I thought it
would be of interest to have a tape of the composer
playing the flute part. The light went on in the studio
which indicates "stand by", then it changed to
"record" ... It ran for about 3 minutes when suddenly
you hear Mr. Mondello exclaim, "This music is impossible,
I need a cigarette!".
SUMMER/ 1979
Nuncio Mondello
Actually, Nuncio Mondello's music is skillfully written
and very beautiful. His approach to the harp is totally
fresh and original.
SCHUMAN and MENNIN write for HARP
Two important new works were premiered in Tully
Hall at Lincoln Center in New York City this past fall.
William Schuman's In Sweet Music for voice, harp,
flute and viola was played by the Tully Chamber Players
in October. Osian Ellis was the harpist. The work was
commissioned by the Tully Chamber Players in honor
of the tenth anniversary of their concert series. Alice
Tully and William Schuman spoke after the performance
of the work and Miss Tully, honorary member of
The American Harp Society, cut the birthday cake. The
work received excellent reviews.
The Newark Boys' Choir introduced Reflections of
Emily by Peter Mennin in December 1978. Grace
Paradise played the harp. The work is scored for treble
voices and harp, piano and percussion and was commissioned
by the National Endowment of the Arts. This
work also received very fine press. Each composition is
25 minutes in duration and written for harpists with
considerable musical equipment.
The Schuman work is being published by Theodore
Presser and the Mennin work by G. Schirmer.
The American Harp Society appreciates the attention
and depth of understanding these renowned composers
have shown for our instrument.
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