Last January, the Boston Symphony performed Mahler Symphony #3, and Charlie Schlueter inspired us to make an all-new instrument for the occasion.  Charlie had originally talked to Dave about building a FLUMPET pitched in C, but Dave thought the “posthorn solo” would sound the best on a real posthorn (imagine that!).  Because of the more fluid note connection offered by rotary valve construction, Dave decided to go this route rather than piston design.  Dave, Dan Haswell and Dean Willoughby sat down at the design bench and came up with this new instrument for Charlie to use for the performances.  It is similar in construction to the two other Monette rotary instruments, both made back in 1990.  It took about three weeks to build this special instrument, with the shop finishing it the day before the first rehearsal for the Mahler.  Dave sent it out to the hall via Federal Express, then flew out the next day to sit in on rehearsals.  Conductor James Levine was pleased with the sound, and impressed that the instrument was made for the occasion. The orchestra members sounded like a herd of cattle rubbing and stomping their feet on the stage floor after the first run through – but there was still some work to be done.  The tuning bit was all the way in for a 442, given the offstage pitch difference with the orchestra.  Dave and Charlie opted to forgo dinner that evening and find a metal lathe to trim some parts before the evening rehearsal! That evening the horn was finally the right length for the orchestra, it played even better.  Dave stayed just through opening night, and found the trip to be more than worthwhile.  Charlie sounded fantastic! (what else is new?)  He told us he received countless compliments both from orchestra members and audience members on the performances – and several orchestra members went out of their way to corner Dave during his time at the hall to comment on how great Charlie sounded on the new horn. Thanks for inspiring us once again, Charlie!

Charlie Schlueter blows his first notes on the new Monette Rotary Posthorn.  Dave Monette designed the horn for Charlie to use on Mahler III. Charlie shows the posthorn to conductor Gene Young and others in the BSO locker room opening night. Just before going on stage, Charlie turns and asks Dave which Indian Restaurant they are going to after the show...