Paul Merkelo Recounts His Experience Premiering Wynton Marsalis' Trumpet Concerto

In this episode, Paul Merkelo, principal trumpet of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, discusses his involvement in premiering Wynton Marsalis' new trumpet concerto. Paul talks about the inception of the project, his preparation process, and the various challenges he faced in mastering the piece. He highlights the unique aspects of the concerto, including its nods to jazz and classical traditions. He also shares insights into his practice routines, juggling professional and personal responsibilities, and the advice he received from Wynton Marsalis. The conversation dives deep into the artistic and technical demands of the concerto, the significance of musical storytelling, and the broader implications of cross-genre collaborations in music.Episode Highlights:01:55 The Wynton Marsalis Trumpet Concerto04:55 Preparing for the Premiere07:52 The Performance Experience14:57 Musical Borders and Future Projects24:26 The Importance of Likability in Music25:21 Preparing for a Major Performance27:43 Breaking Down the Movements34:05 Balancing Family, Work, and Practice37:47 Global Premieres and Educational Outreach40:20 Final Thoughts and Advice for Musicians44:03 Humorous Anecdotes and Closing RemarksResources Mentioned:Paul Merkel's website (https://paulmerkelo.com)Wynton Marsalis (https://wyntonmarsalis.org)You've been listening to Trumpet Dynamics, telling the story of the trumpet, in the words of those who play it. To learn more about the show, and to join the Trumpet Dynamics tribe, visit us on the web at trumpetdynamics.com.And be sure to tap the subscribe button on your phone so you're always up to date with new episodes as they release.Thank you for listening!