Josef

XVI: July - October, Year Four

After returning to New York they moved into the apartment. Elena, with her father’s permission, did some rearranging so

that she and Josef had the larger of the two bedrooms rather than the smaller one Josef had been using. The day after they

moved in a piano was delivered, a gift from all of Elena’s relatives who had attended the wedding. To fit into the space

available it was a spinet.

“When we have more room we’ll trade it in for a grand piano, ”Elena told Josef.

“Sweetheart, I don’t need a grand piano; all I need is you,” Josef replied, then sat at the piano and played a medley of

love songs from Broadway musicals.

One evening, shortly after setting up their first home, Elena mentioned that one of her professors at Williams had told her

she had a gift for writing and perhaps she should seriously consider becoming a writer. “I think I’ll see if there is a local class

I can take this summer to try my hand at writing.”

After some research at the local library Elena found a course at New York City College that was being taught by a well

known writer. She was able to enroll and began classes immediately after the 4th of July. The class, she soon discovered,

was one she loved. Every exercise, every writing assignment she worked at diligently. At the end of summer she

announced, “Now I know, I want to write. I’ll teach too, but mainly I want to write.”

For the six weeks that Elena was involved in her writing class Josef relaxed. He practiced his violin and piano several

hours every day and worked on a new composition he had begun, but not in a taxing way. He also taught himself to play the

guitar on a guitar Elena had discovered in a closet when she was doing the rearranging. It was apparently one her brother

Anthony had played at one time and then left at the apartment. Josef surprised Elena one evening by playing a few country-

western songs.

He also went to several baseball games with Christina, who was taking the summer off. They went to see both the

Yankees and the Mets play. Christina was a Yankee fan but Josef found he liked the Mets better.

Josef also wrote more poems to Elena. One of his most love-filled poems had four stanzas, the first in English, the

second in French, the third in Italian and the fourth in Croatian. Elena had no trouble translating the French and Italian but

could make no progress with the Croatian until Josef helped her.

After the writing class ended there were still two weeks of summer left before the new school year began. They used this

time to formalize, with Christina’s help, their class schedules. Elena had decided to take a double major, with half her work

in ‘Literature’ and the other half in ‘Creative Writing.’ Josef extended his work at Julliard with more training in music theory

and an in depth course in ‘Great Composers.’ At Columbia he switched from German to Italian for his language study, took

a required course in Sociology and a Literature class taught by Christina, that Elena was also enrolled in.

And so, together they entered the third year of college, with both eager to do well. Elena was recognized early by her

writing instructors as a future luminary in the writing field. Two of the essays she submitted as assignments were sent by the

instructors to leading magazines and later published. One of the essays was about the great diversity of New York City and

its populace; the other was a fictionalized short story about her parents.

Shortly after this third year began Josef received a note from Dr. Samuels asking Josef to drop by his office. Curious

about the reason for the summons Josef reported the first chance he got.

“I’ve received a request from a well known violin teacher in the city. This man has a young, gifted student who needs

more advanced instruction which the teacher feels he can’t give. Would you be interested in taking over?”

“That’s one of my goals in life, to teach at the advanced level,” Josef replied, excited at the prospect.

“I was told that the student is a 14 year old boy who can be difficult at times.”

“What do you mean by difficult?”

“He’s stubborn, doesn’t want to listen, and becomes quite sullen when reprimanded.”

“I think that before I decide I should talk with his teacher.”

“I’ll arrange that,” said Dr. Samuels.

Later that week Josef met with Sal Kevorkian. Sal, a man in his early forties, was a public school teacher by day who, at

times, occupied a chair with the New York Philharmonic. He had been teaching violin as a side venture for 15 years.

“Dr. Samuels described your pupil as ‘difficult.’ Is that your word, or Dr. Samuels?”

“It’s my word. I think the boy, because he’s gifted, has pretty much had it his own way at home. I’ve had the impression

that he doesn’t have to do anything if he doesn’t want to. When I’ve challenged him a few times to play something exactly as I

asked he got very testy about it.”

“Did you advise his parents about his attitude?”

“Yes, but it didn’t do any good.”

“Before I will even consider taking the boy on I’d like to talk to his parents.”

“That might be a problem. They are both professionals; one’s a doctor, the other a lawyer and both claim they have busy

schedules.”

“Nevertheless, that’s one stipulation I’ll stand firm on.”

A week later Josef got another note from Dr. Samuels. “You seem to have stirred up a hornet’s nest, Josef. I got a

phone call from an angry lawyer asking me who you are that you can demand a meeting the way you did. When I answered,

‘One of the leading classical violinists in the world’ he calmed down. He would like you to come to his office tomorrow at 4

P.M. Can you fit that into your schedule?”

“Only if both parents are there,” Josef replied.

Dr. Samuels reached for the phone and called the lawyer. When he hung up he had a rueful smile on his face. “He

wasn’t too happy with your ‘demands’ as he called them, but they will be there. Be firm, Josef; don’t back down.”

Josef took a taxi to the appointment, which was in a high rise office building several blocks from the United Nations

complex. As soon as he walked into the building he could see how the rich lived, or worked. The elegance he saw bordered

on opulence.

He was ushered into the lawyer’s office by a very efficient middle-aged secretary. Here he introduced himself to the

father, John Talbot, and the mother who introduced herself only as Mrs. Talbot. The boy sat there sullenly and made no effort

to be gracious.

Both parents were surprised at Josef’s youth. Apparently both of them were expecting someone quite a bit older.

Mr. Talbot opened the conversation with, “So you’re Josef Rankovic. Dr. Samuels had nothing but praise for you as a

violinist. But how much teaching have you done?”

“None, that’s why I’m willing to make you an offer I don’t think you’ll refuse. But first, as Dr. Samuels indicated, I have

conditions. Your son, according to his previous teacher, is brilliant and can become an outstanding violinist; but he has been

difficult to teach because he has wanted to do things his own way and not the teacher’s way.

“I will tolerate none of that. I am an accomplished musician and I got that way by hard work with competent teachers. I

have developed techniques I am ready and willing to teach your son. But only if he does exactly what I ask him to do. Any

deviation and you will need to find another teacher.”

The Talbots sat through all this, amazed at Josef’s brashness. They were getting red-faced but before they could throw

in any disrupting comments Josef pushed on.

“Here’s my offer. I will take Richard on for a month of free weekly lessons. He is to perform at his best and practice his

lessons so that he can render them perfectly at the next lesson. When the month is up I will evaluate his performance and you

will evaluate mine. If either one of us is not satisfied the lessons will end. If we’re both satisfied that Richard is on the right

track the lessons will continue. Is that satisfactory?”

They both nodded their heads, still stunned at Josef’s apparent aplomb. Richard sat there and said nothing.

“Richard, what’s your answer?” Mr. Talbot asked.

“Okay, I guess.”

“Okay, I guess isn’t good enough for me,” Josef instantly replied. “If you want, in your heart, to become an accomplished

violinist I’ll set you on the road to becoming one. If you don’t, say so and this interview is over.”

This might have been the first time in his life that Richard was seriously challenged. In any event, he rose to the occasion

and said, with a grin, “I think I will like having you as my teacher.”

Arrangements were made for Richard to come to Josef’s apartment at 10 A.M. for each of the next four Saturdays.

Future arrangements would be made, if both parties agreed, at the end of the probation period.

Following Dr. Samuels advice that good teachers were not cheap, when Richard’s father asked Josef what his fee would

be Josef replied, “$100 a lesson.” Mr. Talbot didn’t bat an eye at this, causing Josef to wonder if he should have asked for

more.

When Richard arrived for his first Saturday lesson he brought with him, at Josef’s request, several of the pieces he had

worked on with Sal Kevorkian. Josef selected one and asked Richard to play two passages for him. When he finished, with

Josef listening to every note and watching his fingering closely, Josef asked him to repeat one passage.

“You played it very well, Richard, but I think I detected one place where a slight change will improve your presentation.”

Richard played the passage again, then Josef took Richard’s violin and played the passage, making one alteration.

Richard’s eyebrows went up when he heard the change and nodded enthusiastically. He then played the passage again,

incorporating the change into his playing.

“Bravo Richard, you have a good ear and played it well.”

For the half hour that remained Josef had Richard begin on a selection Josef had chosen for him. Richard proved to be

a good sight reader and before the half hour was up had played the number several times. Josef asked him to practice it at

home, at least a half hour a day, and to know it by heart for the next lesson.

The four week probation period passed smoothly. Richard showed none of the ‘me’ attitude he had shown his previous

teacher. In fact, Josef spoke to him about his change. “I want you to communicate with me, Richard. If you have an opinion,

express it. If there’s something you don’t understand, tell me. I want communication to be a two way street.”

After that Richard loosened up considerably and occasionally made a comment, in a spirit of cooperation and not

truculence.

Following the four week period Josef committed himself to being Richard’s teacher. A change was made in the class

time as Richard had other pursuits he wished to follow on Saturdays. They agreed Thursdays at 4 o’clock would be suitable

for both.

Mr. and Mrs. Talbot both congratulated Josef at the change in Richard and the improvement in his playing. Josef

modestly stated that Richard had some-thing to do with it also.

XVII: November - December, Year 4

Thanksgiving was again with the Panellis and Christmas in San Reino, this time with Elena

At Thanksgiving, both Elena and Josef brought her family up to date with Elena’s writing progress and with Josef’s first

pupil. Lucia was thrilled that Elena had written two articles that were to be published. When Josef mentioned that his pupil

was Richard Talbot Angelo said he knew who John was but had never met him. “He has a reputation of being a fierce

adversary, one you would not want to bump heads with often.”

Josef grinned at this and described the first meeting at John Talbot’s office.

Angelo was amazed. “I’m surprised he didn’t throw you out on your ear. Maybe you should become a lawyer.”

At Christmas Francesca was delighted that Elena had come with Josef. When she had Elena out of Josef’s hearing she

nudged Elena and said, “Are you pregnant yet?”

Elena laughed and replied, “Not yet, Mamma. We’re going to wait until I’ve finished college. Then, I promise, you’ll be a

grandmamma. And, if it’s a girl, Josef wants to name her Francesca.”

Francesca beamed at this and hugged Elena. “I can see Josef picked the right girl to marry.”

Josef spent most of this Christmas stay talking to Pietro about retiring. “Í, for one, want you to live many more years,

Pappa. But you know working in the vineyard is too much for you. And Giuseppe is talking about going to Trieste or

Florence, isn’t he?”

Pietro promised Josef he would think about it but would not do anything soon.

XVIII: January - June, Year 5

During the first few months of the New Year Josef and Elena stayed in New York.

In February, after a lapse of almost 9 years, Josef returned to Carnegie Hall as guest soloist with the visiting Florence

Symphony. He was thrilled at the prospect of being reunited with this orchestra as it had been the first orchestra he

performed with. His old friend, Maestro Bonino, was with the orchestra but due to his failing health was no longer the

conductor.

The concert master Josef had met at his initial performance, Herr Heitling, was still with the orchestra and, to Josef’s

surprise, his assistant was Josef’s first roommate at the Florence Conservatory, Angelo Grosetti.

When the new conductor introduced Josef he described Josef’s history with the orchestra. “This young man first played

with this orchestra more than 9 years ago. He was a 12 year old boy and showed signs then of becoming the virtuoso he is

today. Ladies and gentlemen, Josef Rankovic!”

Josef played as he had never played before. Elena and all her family were in attendance as were many of the students

and instructors from Julliard. Also, Josef had obtained tickets for Richard and his family.

At the end of the concert Josef was surrounded by all those in the audience who knew him. He received a hearty

handshake from Angelo Grosetti and compliments on his playing from all. Richard’s father paid what was perhaps the

greatest compliment. “I hope some day to hear Richard playing even half as well as you. I’ve never heard a violin sound so

enchanting.”

Lessons for Richard continued with no problems arising between the two. In fact, Josef congratulated Richard frequently

on the progress he was making and began talking about a recital. “Julliard has an open recital every May; I’ll talk to people I

know and see if I can get you on the program. Before that time I think I should talk to your father about getting you a new

violin. The one you have is a fine instrument for learning and practicing but it’s not concert quality. Ask him to call me.”

Before Mr. Talbot called Josef talked to Dr. Samuels to have him recommend a dealer in the city who would carry the

make of violin Richard should buy. He was certain price would not be a problem to Mr. Talbot.

“Richard tells me you think he should have a new violin,” said Mr. Talbot when he called. “Is the one he has not good

enough?”

“Mr. Talbot, your son is a very talented musician who, if he keeps progressing as well as he is now, will be appearing on

concert stages. His present violin is an excellent one for learning but doesn’t have the tonal quality needed for concerts. I’m

working on having him appear at the yearly concert Julliard puts on in May for budding musicians, and he will need a quality

instrument for that.”

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