Conversation with George Rochberg. Notebook Page, Germany 2002

On the same page, remarks from George: ‘ Peter, you have no idea how satisfying it is, after 27 years, to be proved right. With you, the piece just FLOWS.’

‘You know, this concerto really gave Stern’s career, which was flagging, a much needed shot in the arm. But, as one friend of his said to me, after one of the first performances, in Chicago, What are you trying to do, George? Are you trying to kill him?! You know, Steinberg, who commissioned the piece said George, you know it’s just a little box with strings: it’s never going to be heard in your piece.  Sadly, as you know, Steinberg died before the premiere, But as you can see, he was wrong.’

George Rochberg to PSS, 16 3 2002 (Notebook record)