Masatake Kaihoko (Poko)
Professor Gunma University
Vice President Japan Clarinet Society
National Chairperson ICA
I have never been able to believe the very sad news I had suddenly received last December from Mrs. Tai-Ling Gigliotti. I remember seeing Anthony in July of 2000 at Oklahoma when he was still in good health, and we promised each other to enjoy boating at his villa next time.
The first time I heard Anthony’s performance was Weber Clarinet Concertino included in the record “Philadelphia Orchestra 1st. Chair” which was released in 1960s. His playing at that time was fresh and spontaneous, and I felt that it was very fascinating.
Afterwards, I went to America to study clarinet. On one snowy day in February in 1968, I visited him in Piladelphia for my audition. Driving through the gate to the grand house on 710 Medary Ave., I was surprised to see a person in winter gear removing the snow. When I told him my name and the purpose of my visit, he showed me to the room. .When he came in the room after a while, I was much surprised again because I found out that this person was Anthony himself. I recall the first meeting with Mr.Anthony Gigliotti vividly even now.
After that, I studied clarinet in Temple University and Curtis Institute under his direction. I received his great assistance and kindness not only in studying clarinet but also in my life. “Double-Lip-Embouchure”, “Darker sound”, “Soft as possible finger control” are the great and immortal techniques which he gave me through his lessons. I will keep on taking good care of these treasures now and in the future.
Whenever Philadelphia Orchestra was playing once every four years in Japan, we enjoyed our reunions and Japanese food with the other members of the orchestra at the late Dr. Ted Inoue’s house. He loved Japanese Sushi Bar where I used to go, and we had been there to enjoy Sushi almost every day during his weekly stay in Tokyo.
At present I assumed leadership in training musical teachers at educational university, mainly through playing Orchestra. I introduce the wonders of music that I learned from him, as well as the importance of respecting each other as equal human beings to the students.
Thank you, Anthony and Good-bye until we will meet again in heaven!
Poko