In this autobiography, George Humphrey recounts his life as a musician from his early beginnings in a small town in Ohio to his position as a violist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra for forty-three seasons. Taking inspiration from Fritz Kreisler, a renowned violinist of the time, at the age of nineteen he began his studies. Within eleven years, a period which included the Depression, he became a member of the Symphony. He recounts his experiences during those years, recalling the other musicians he played with and the conductors he played under. He describes in particular what it was like to play under Serge Koussevitzky, the conductor of the Symphony when he joined it, and subsequently, Charles Munch and Erich Leinsdorf. He recalls their idiosyncrasies, their temperaments, and their treatment of the music they played. His book is a backstage view of a musician’s life, remembering a life that took him all over the world, from Russia to Japan to Iceland. He explores the pressures of the musician’s life, the decisions faced, and the risks, accomplishments, and disappointments. He also recounts many of the humorous events that took place while he was a member of the orchestra, some from accidents that occurred during concerts and others due to the clashing temperaments of conductors and musicians. What is most apparent throughout is his dedication to his profession and his appreciation of music as a profound cultural force.
George Norwood Humphrey was born in Ohio in 1904, the son of Mabel and George Latham Humphrey. His father was an engineer on the Pennsylvania Railroad. He grew up in the town of Bellaire and upon graduation from its high school went to work for the railroad in a clerical position. Through a friend, he was introduced to the recordings of Fritz Kreisler, the renowned violinist. Inspired by Kreisler’s playing, he began to take violin lessons from a local teacher in Bellaire. He progressed rapidly, and after six months, he applied and was accepted to the New England Conservatory, where he changed his instrument from violin to viola. He spent the next four years there, graduating in 1929. Throughout the subsequent Depression years, he played in several orchestras and ensembles, as well as on many odd engagements. Finally, in 1934, he persuaded Dr. Serge Koussevitzky, the conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, to listen to him play. Impressed, Koussevitzky created an additional position for him in the viola section of the orchestra. He remained in the orchestra until 1977, where after Koussevitzky he played under Charles Munch, Erich Leinsdorf, and William Steinberg. Additionally, he played under many guest conductors, as well as in the Boston Pops orchestra under Arthur Fiedler and at Tanglewood with the Symphony in the Berkshires. He was an ardent string quartet player, as well as an accomplished luthier. Upon his retirement from the orchestra, he wrote his musical autobiography. His health then began to fail, and he died in 1980. He had been married for fifty years and had three sons.