When the longtime Atlanta Symphony cellist Christopher Rex died in March, there was international recognition of his musical achievements in numerous obituaries. Last month, cellist Yo-Yo Ma dedicated his encore performance to Chris with the ASO. Rex was known for his sweet disposition, sense of humor and outstanding talent. An upcoming concert by the Georgian Chamber Players, once joined by Rex, will take place this Friday, May 13, in tribute to the late cellist at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church. Atlanta Symphony concertmaster David Coucheron joined “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes to reflect on his special relationship with Rex.
Interview highlights:
Memories of a mischievous musician:
“He was a jokester at heart, and I think so am I,” said Coucheron. “I also remember specifically one time we played the [Zoltán] Kodály ‘Duo for Violin and Cello’ … There was a moment when the cello had a lot of 16th notes, and I’m just waiting for him to finish those, and then I take them over. And without any warning, he just sort of kept playing those 16th notes as if they were supposed to be there. I just naturally burst out in laughter because I could never think of anybody who would have thought of doing that just for fun. There was no reason for him to do those, but he just wanted to see how I reacted. I couldn’t even continue playing because I was laughing so hard.”
“We played the Ravel ‘Duo for Violin and Cello,’ and I hadn’t ever done it before … and he kind of talked me through the whole piece because it’s a very complicated and difficult duo,” Coucheron recalled. “Once we were done, I had to leave to get some water, and I came straight back and he had found a checkbook that I had left and he had written a check to himself for $2 million. And in the memo, it said ‘coaching fee.’ And I always put that check-up in my room at the Symphony Hall, and it’s still there and it will never leave.”
