Eugene Ormandy's statement on David Amram's "Trail of Beauty"

"It has been a pleasure to conduct this significant contribution to truly American music. The music and text derives directly from the American Indian ethos, and brings us an imperishable image of the eternal dreams of the people who walked this land centuries ago. Amram, through his particular genius, and his hard work digging at the sources, has built a marvelous musical tapestry, full of wonderful sounds and colors.

"The work is also a tribute to Marcel Tabuteau, for many years our solo oboe, and the predecessor and teacher of John de Lancie, our equally talented first oboe, who is playing the premiere.

"As Mr. Amram has indicated, the trail of beauty is followed by all great musicians, hence the connection between the texts (so American) and the memorial to a great Franco-American, whose art transcended all boundaries."