Title: Valeriy Polekh: French Hornist Laureate of All Russia
Author: David Gladen
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 978-1532042157
Pages: 246
Genre: Biography
Reviewer: Barbara Bamberger Scott
Hollywood Book Reviews
Author David Gladen here presents the autobiography of Valeriy Vladimirovich Polekh, an acclaimed Russian musician whose artistry was recognized over much of the globe.
Born in 1918 in Moscow, Polekh’s earliest memories were of a Christmas celebration planned and presented by his parents, with a tree of sparkling ornaments pulled out of hiding and boxes of gifts for the boy and his brother, even though it was illegal to recognize that significant date. His parents were music lovers, his mother a singer, who inculcated in their son a great love for classical, orchestral music which was prevalent at the time, taking him to Bolshoi productions, training and urging him to gain a place in a music school, which required strict examination of his knowledge and his talents, for which he nervously studied and proudly passed.
He served in the Russian military during World War II, working within its band while taking training as a medic and practicing “marching, marching.” His memoir focuses chapter by chapter on great artists from whom he learned, and with whom he performed over the ensuing years, beginning with professor/performer Vasiliy NiKanorovich Soloduev, who instructed him to develop better mouth control over his chosen instrument, the French horn. What resulted was a kind of singing that accompanied his playing. He would go on to develop deepening musical understanding, enjoying world travel and cheerful companionship with numerous greats of the orchestral sphere, such as Olga Ehrdeli, Ferdinand Ferdiandovich and Ivan Semyanovich. For the birthday of Gyeorgy Kostantinovich, Polekh dressed as a wizard and “magically” produced some party favors. Of his life’s realm, which amalgamates highly technical physical skills with emotive, etheric reach, Polekh declares it to be “a dynasty of artists, a dynasty of exceptional musicians.”
Gladen, who learned to speak Russian while serving in the US Air Force, took on the translation task of Polekh’s remarkable chronicle as a favor to a relative, well known hornist James A. Decker who was part of Polekh’s musical cohort. Gladen has handled this dynamic assignment with diligence, offering a portrait that can now be shared with a large and doubtless grateful audience.
Valeriy Polekh: French Hornist Laureate of All Russia is a stirring tribute to one of the Soviet Union’s most celebrated brass musicians. Author David Gladen traces the extraordinary life and legacy of Valeriy Polekh—a virtuoso performer, esteemed teacher, and cultural icon. Through a richly written book and historical insight, this biography offers a rare glimpse into the world of Russian classical music, from conservatory halls to grand stages across the globe. A must-read for musicians, historians, and lovers of classical music.