The end result is somewhat of a dichotomy between American folk music and Czech folk music. His love for America and his longing for home are both apparent in the work. The point at which he returns home is obvious in the score, because the spirit is suddenly uplifted. He really made things happen, along with help from other faculty members like Andor Toth, Marilyn McDonald and Peter Rejto. We were launched by the Coleman and Fischoff Competitions, of course, but the Banff Competition gave us a national concert tour, and things really started to happen.
People think that having a career as a chamber musician is some kind of glamorous lifestyle.
It takes more work than I ever anticipated. The travelling, the administrative details, the management all take persistence. And despite what it may appear to the outside world, the career itself moves very slowly. And the travelling can really wear you out. Fortunately, we now have great management, and we're playing in great places, but my advice to young groups at Oberlin is to stay persistent.