Living Dangerously with the Horn by David M. Kaslow Review by Beth Tenenbaum Farber, Cornucopia, May 1997

Living Dangerously with the Horn: Thoughts on Life and Art by David M. Kaslow is a well-researched and well-thought out book. Complete with index and bibliography, it includes many quotes from other authors, philosophers, and composers and is presented in a format that makes it is easy to read and follow. The five chapters (Artistry, Fearlessness, Health, Relationships, and Perfectionism) and their subtopics are thoroughly reviewed.

Living Dangerously with the Horn seems to be on the same line as Eastern Thought and Zen. For instance, Kaslow discusses fear and suggests that "...it is preferable to get rid of fear, rather than to deal with it." Chapter three mentions the importance of understanding the concepts and implications of allopathy and homeopathy, as one works for, and tries to maintain, good health. In chapter four, the author addresses the importance of understanding the pos- sible relationships within the horn section as well as the internal relationships within each of us. The last chapter expresses the viewpoint that perfectionism is a positive behavior, provided that one is at certain levels of internal development, and that one applies this perfectionism only to a limited number of activities.

In retrospect, to become a better hornist, we must first get in tune with ourselves -- our feelings, our beliefs, our weaknesses and strengths. As Kaslow says, "By becoming aware of ourselves, we can then begin to apply our most highly developed selves to our tasks."

David Kaslow is a former professor at the Lamont School of Music at The University of Denver. His playing career has included the National Symphony, National Ballet of Canada (principal), and Aspen Chamber Orchestra. He now is rusticating in Vermont.
Beth Tenenbaum Farber, a native of Brockton, graduated from Boston Conservatory in 1991 with a BM in Music Education, then earned an MM in Horn Performance from Oklahoma City University, where she studied with Martha McQuaid, a graduate of NEC and former student of BSO second horn Daniel Katzen. Beth has taught music in Marshfield schools. She now lives in Atlanta and is the proud parent of Jaden, born in 2000.
The book is available at Osmun Music or from Birdalone Music.

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