Death of a top trumpet, 74
mainThe death is reported of Peter Masseurs, principal trumpet of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra 1970-82 and co-principal of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra from 1982 until his retirement in 2009.
He was in great demand as a guest soloist.
Before joining the orchestras, he served six years with the Dutch Royal Marines.
I am deeply saddened by this news. The most amazing trumpeter. I have such vivid memories of Peter’s playing in both the Rotterdam Phil and at the Concertgebouw. The way he phrased the solo trumpet in An American in Paris, and the opening of Mahler 5 still leaves me in awe of this great, great musician. RIP Peter, you will be greatly missed by all.
Agreed. Heard him play Mahler 5 with Concertgebouw in Boston and it still stands out as one of the top concerts I have ever attended. Marvelous player.
He was principal trumpet at the RCO, not co-principal.
If memory serves, the RCO lists two wind principals and two concertmasters. When one plays, the other is off.
It’s hard to give correct English name for that kind of post which Masseur has held.
In German language, there is a very good name for principal who share job with other principal. For example “Koordiniert 1. Solo Cello 100 %” = Alternate 1st principal cello.
In Europe, that is normal especially in Germany, where/because orchestras and wind sections are so big, but in America, there isn’t that kind of system, except in Met orchestra.
Composed for him (listen to all of it!)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iphqq6nBzUI
He was THE principal at in the RCO.