Our outstanding fellow musician, Sándor Patkós, whom we lost at a young age, would have wanted to perform Joseph Haydn’s "Farewell" symphony conducted by the composer himself. His incredible bassoon part should never have ended.
Sándor Patkós, who played second bassoon for the BFO for 30 years, passed away on January 26, 2022. Years ago, we posed five informal questions to him. His responses were exciting, but the interview was never published.
Which figure in music history would you like to have a conversation with over a bottle of wine?
If I could turn back the wheel of time, I would be tremendously honored to sit for a meal with Paganini, “The Devil’s Violinist,” and if I could, I would listen to him perform one of his 24 Caprices. I would watch his fingers as he brilliantly plays the strings on his favorite Guarneri. But I’d better wake up from this dream.
Besides your own, what other instrument would you like to learn?
I am, and have always been, a great fan of folk music. My maternal grandfather (despite being an agricultural engineer) would play the violin and the cimbalom at weddings. But he did not let his children or grandchildren play on any of his instrument. I still don’t know why. I listen to a lot of folk music, primarily from the Balkans, as well as authentic Gypsy music, in which the cimbalom plays a prominent role. With its uniquely full sound, it inspired a number of 20th century composers, including Stravinsky, Bartók and Kodály. Today, it is also often used in popular music. I have a lot of respect for cimbalom players.
Which composer would you most like to be, and why?
At the start of my career, when I was 17, my first orchestral experience (with me playing the bassoon) was Joseph Haydn’s Symphony No. 92 in G major (”Oxford”). I was enchanted. To this day, I never cease to be amazed that the “Master” composed an additional 103 such masterpieces in addition to this one. Amazing! Each movement of each symphony reflects a different mood. The unique sound of the slow movements, the sweeping dance magic of the minuets, the arrangement of the trios and the finales are all full of little puns. Stunning, and inimitable! I’m jealous that he would have been able to meet Mozart and Beethoven. I would love to perform the Farewell Symphony at Fertőd, with him conducting.
What has been your greatest disappointment?
I had to face tremendous disappointment at a competition (even though the professional jury said I gave an excellent performance), which made me want to stay away from participating in music competitions later. Even so, I continue to find joy in chamber music and orchestral music to this day.
According to my philosophy of life…
I think it is tremendously important to introduce children to music at the earliest age possible, by using instruments. Few are familiar with my instrument, but I recently came across a children’s orchestra where all of the members played bassoons of different sizes. I was so enchanted by their performance, which was filled with such diversity, that I wanted to support them as much as I could, by embracing their mission.
Click here to read about Sándor’s career; and click here to read his obituary. His memory will stay with us, including here on this website.
