Player Portrait

Robert Naglee

Bassoon

First season with the Oregon Symphony:

1959-1960

Most influential teacher(s):

It would have to be Merle Boyce, the band/orchestra director at Franklin High School (Portland). Had it not been for him, I probably would have ended up in a piano bar somewhere. He convinced me to play the bassoon, since I had taken piano lessons and could already read bass clef. Had he told me that I would have to learn tenor clef as well, I probably would have stayed with the piano.

Earliest musical memory:

At the age of two or three, sitting on my father’s shoulders at the Rose Festival Parade, listening and watching a marching band. I will never forget the impact that had. It appeared to me that one row of band members had cymbals for heads! Not long after that, my mother had me fitted for prescription eyeglasses.

"I first knew I would make music my career when ... "

I was drafted by the Army in 1956 and spent two years in a band stationed in Wurzburg, Germany, where, by the way, I bought the Heckel bassoon that I play today in the Oregon Symphony orchestra. It was at that point in my life that I became “hooked” on performing.

"Other than performing music, I've always thought it might be fun to be a ... "

Race car driver. My love for fast cars does not seem to diminish with age. Not only are they exhilarating to drive but can be dangerous as well, sort of like playing the bassoon. My first sports/exotic was a Porsche speedster in the early ‘60s, then a Corvette L82 in the late ‘80s and now, after 40 years of marriage, and with my wife Betty’s encouragement (yeah, right!), a Dodge Viper roadster.

Favorite composer and/or period?

I’m not sure I have a favorite, but Shostakovich is right near the top of my list. His Fourth Symphony is wonderful, and we performed it several years ago with conductor Jorge Mester. I enjoy music of all periods and feel that Tomas Svoboda’s Marimba Concerto, which was commissioned by the Oregon Symphony, is a terrific work. We are indeed fortunate to have Tomas living and creating wonderful music in our community.

What does this photograph say about your life?

DOG-gone, I love the bassoon!

What do you enjoy most about performing?

Working with fellow bassoonists Mark Eubanks and Juan de Gomar, two wonderful players for whom I have a great deal of respect and affection. Performing with them gives me a great deal of satisfaction.

Other than playing great music, what do you see as the Symphony's most important role?

I think it is extremely important to live up to our name, the Oregon Symphony, and reach out to as many communities as is fiscally possible. Some of the most gratifying concerts for me are those when we tour the state.

What is your favorite part of being a member of the Oregon Symphony?

I really enjoy listening to the artistry that is presented by my colleagues throughout the different sections of the orchestra. There is always something to be learned from them.

Player Portrait