Orchestral Excerpt Insights: Miles Maner on Strauss’ ‘Salome’

“Richard Strauss’ opera Salome is a twisted and terrifying tale,“ says Miles Maner, contrabassoon (and bassoon) of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. ”And I think of the story when I’m playing the excerpt.”

Maner is a master at depicting the drama of the emotionally intense story through the sounds of his instrument. He does this by focusing on the characters he’s trying to convey, and searching for a method and style of playing that best suits the music he’s making. “You have to be creative and independent and always curious — how can I make this better?”

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