It made me sad to read of the death of Robert Shaw.  As a student at the
Manhattan School of Music in 1960, my viola teacher arranged for me to
participate in the American Federation of Musicians Congress of Strings
at Michigan State University.  I attended for two summers and had the
wonderful good fortune to work with Robert Shaw.  He was one of a number
of outstanding conductors who worked with us.  Erich Leinsdorf, Josef
Krips, Thor Johnson and Michel Piastro where some of the others.

My memories of Shaw are of a warm, strong conductor who imparted to us a
love of music and performing.  We prepared the Schubert Mass #2, D. 167,
the Verdi Requiem and the Stravinsky Symphony of Psalms during those two
summers.  Even today, so many years later, I remember his varied rehearsal
techniques, sense of humor and determination to accomplish his goals.  It
was a privilege and an honor to have played under him.  He will be missed.

Peter Horvath
Long Beach, New York