Long-standing Boston Symphony Orchestra principal double bassist announces retirement
Edwin Barker was appointed to the role nearly 50 years ago in 1976
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Ed is one of the greats. I was lucky to be in Boston for a few years and got to hear him play with the BSO, plus a couple of chamber gigs (The Trout and Zigeunerweisen, the Gunther Schuller bass quartet). I only got to meet him once, but I studied with a number of his current and former students. I learned that his approach was extremely carefully thought out and methodical, and everything was treated with scrutiny. It wasn't always radical, but it was outrageously effective.
Anyway, happy retirement, and thanks for all the music!
