Death of Chicago principal, 93
RIPThe death has been announced of Joseph Guastafeste, veteran principal double-bass of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Guastafeste, from Brooklyn, studied at the Juilliard School with Fred Zimmerman before joining the New Orleans Symphony at age 19. In 1950, he joined the Dallas Symphony as principal bass under Walter Hendl and Paul Kletzki, a position he held for the next 10 years. Mr. Guastafeste was appointed to the position of principal bass of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1961 by music director Fritz Reiner; he remained with the orchestra for 49 years until his retirement in 2010
“Guastafeste” – I’m sure he was anything but that! R.I.P.
I remember that shirt when he was performing with the Hubbard Street Dance Chicago in one of their numbers. The bass was the only accompaniment, but also served as the referee to a duet of quarrelling lovers. Fun times.
Rest in Peace
From the first time I saw and heard him as a teenager until he retired he was always the most dynamic contributor I ever experienced on the bass. What he had in mind to do within a piece was readable and feel-able from the audience. He is missed.