PROLOGUE by Andre Previn

It is safe conjecture that if John Fletcher's chosen instrument had been a violin, a cello, or a piano, he would have been world famous. He was such a consummate musician and such an amazing technician that only the fact that the tuba is considered a slightly risible instrument limited his recognition by a larger public.

When he was very young, one of his favourite pieces was Haydn's "London" Symphony and John took it as a personal challenge to learn every instrument employed in this work well enough to be able to play each part. I remember that when he told me this, I gave him a disbelieving look, but he assured me that he thought it had been quite a good idea and that he could still do it. If I have given the impression that he was relentlessly studious and pored over scores night and day then I have misled you. John was hilariously funny and the perfect companion and friend on the somewhat endless tours we all took when we were working with the London Symphony Orchestra. He was generous and good-natured and we all learned a great deal from him.

There is an adjective which is wildly overused in these days of hyperbole, but it suits him; he was unique.

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