Dennis Kain, longtime principal timpanist in the Baltimore Symphony, has died
The news of Mr. Kain's death arrived shortly after the BSO finished its successful gala concert with soprano Renee Fleming before a packed house at the Meyerhoff. Mr. Kain's illness kept him from performing in the ensemble for the past few seasons, and his absence, musically and personally, was keenly felt. He joined the orchestra in September 1966. In the years that I got to hear him play, Mr. Kain invariably impressed with his sure technique and ability to coax myriad dynamic nuances from the timpani -- not to mention his quiet charm and twinkling smile. Covering the BSO's 2001 European visit with then-music director Yuri Temirkanov, I wrote that Mr. Kain was "a rock of Gibraltar on this tour" -- his steadiness and musicality came through in concert after concert. I also recall the timpanist's stirring contributions to performances of Brahms' Symphony No. 1 with Temirkanov in 2004; Bruckner's Third with Mario Venzago conducting in 2009; Nielsen's Fourth with Juanjo Mena in 2010; and many more. I will pass along more information on arrangements as it becomes available. PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN COLBERG 
Comments
I am sad to hear of Dennis' passing. I had the good fortune to play in the BSO with Dennis for almost 30 years. He was a good friend and a truly great musician. The orchestra relied on Dennis as he was so solid a player and a leader. He will be dearly missed.
Posted by: Edward Hoffman | September 16, 2012 2:33 PM
Sad and unexpected news, as I kept asking BSO members during the last seasons about Mr. Kain's health and they said - diplomatically, as it becomes obvious now - that it is getting better.
I said it before, Mr. Kain was my favorite BSO player.
May he rest in peace.
Posted by: Don Ciccio | September 18, 2012 10:47 AM
I will always remember Dennis Kains playing as being almost perfect; great sound, perfect pitch, and at the very highest artistic level. There were many great nights at the Lyric theatre watching him playing while I was at the Peabody. This is doubly sad knowing that my other favorite timpanist, Fred Begun (of the NSO) just also passed on within the same month. May they both rest in peace.
Posted by: Seth Wexler | September 24, 2012 6:12 PM