Most of you knew David as a musician's musician -- a gifted inspiration and model to a whole generation of wonderful students/artists. But I was privileged, towards the end of David's teaching life, to experience another side of his beautiful personality, when I was a member of several amateur string groups which he coached, and in which, on occasion, he even played. How he loved to challenge us! Among other things, we worked on a Boccherini guitar quintet that we never would have dared without him.

David knew we would never reach public performance level, but he constantly encouraged us, gently but firmly, and always with his wonderful sense of humor, to listen to each other, really to think about the music, and of course to play our very best. To be his student, even a rank amateur, was an honor and a joy.

As I think about David it is impossible not to see his smile, recall his contagious energy and reflect on the many inspiring moments we shared over the years. His deep commitment to musicianship and all that entails made a profound impression on me as a young cellist and last with me to this day. Beyond that, he lived what he believed and did so with tremendous warmth and elegance....an authenticity that was so very rare.

I hadn't seen David Wells much in many years, but as a child encounters with David were more frequent. He was a deeply influential person and musician for both of my parents, as well as for me. I believe it was the moment, maybe 37 years ago or so, I heard him playing a rendering of the Bumblebee on solo cello at my family's home in Connecticut that I decided to start taking cello lessons. His delivery of that piece that day, sitting next to the futon was as moving emotionally as it was awesome in its blinding speed and precision. The vitality of his musicianship was really something to behold, every time I ever heard him play. I didn't last long as a cellist myself, but I'm so thankful to be among the relatively few people in the world who had the privilege of hearing David play, as well as watching him take a nap on the couch.

David created a remarkable institution which still reflects his humanity and musicianship. As a somewhat recent arrival to the traditions that are part of Yellow Barn, I've felt his presence at every concert, most especially this summer with the complete Bach cello suites played in wonderful combinations by students and faculty. His legacy is in each individual who is part of Yellow Barn.

I was a newcomer to Vermont and the Windham Orchestra when shortly after joining, I was asked as a favor to take David to and from rehearsals as he lived along my driving route. I knew him initially only as the older gentleman cellist seemingly intent on drawing as much music out of his instrument as possible. After one car ride together, I knew I was the favored one.

Over the course of our many miles together, David was very curious about me but it was always respectful and driven by kindness. We talked music, family and life as all were intertwined. His intuition was remarkable but perhaps even more was his brave acceptance of his illness which he viewed with remarkable scientific detachment.

Shortly before leaving New England, my wife and I spent an afternoon with he and Janet in their living room listening to some of their old recordings. Although as David said, he still 'had juice,' there was a valedictory wistfulness which remains etched in our memory.

David was the personification of kindness and courage. He was also an extraordinarily gifted musician and teacher and although he will be missed, his legacy will live through those he has touched.

I am very sad indeed to hear that David has passed away and am doubly glad to have been at-and to have seen him at-the concert in his honor a few weeks ago. David and my mother had great respect for each other, and given their age difference, I always chuckled when, with a twinkle in his eye, he would greet her as "young lady." It is always difficult to have perspective about one's own time, but it seems to me that David was a member of an artistic generation that left both the local and global communities exceptionally richer for "having been." Those who follow will have to work hard to carry forth their legacies as that generation looks down from what we can only hope is an art-resplendant heaven.

I have been thinking of David, Janet, and Elmar all week long. I was planing to call David this week to tell him that I had won an audition to play the role of Pablo Casals in a movie directed by Lee Daniels called "The Butler." In this 2013 release "we" play the Mendelssohn D minor piano trio in a replication of the 1961 White House concert honoring Casals by JFK and Jackie. I showed Lee Daniels a picture of Casals that I took when I met him in Puerto Rico in 1960. That was the same year I became a student and friend of David and his family at Manhattan School. I also showed Lee a picture of David giving me a lesson in Easthampton with his "little red cello" that formerly belonged to Casals. I was David's assistant at the first Yellow Barn where we all worked like crazy scraping tar and old oil and axle grease from the floor. I designed and built the entrance sliding screen door which lasted for years. Several years later I had the never forgotten experience of playing the D minor trio with Elmar and Janet coached by David. I've carried his wisdom and caring and understanding with me for fifty two years and I will miss him.

I'm deeply saddened by David's passing. For as long as I knew him, he was kind and nurturing to to everyone he could share his love of music with. It was the greatest privilege to know him and to play alongside him in the Windham Orchestra.

I just learned of David's passing, and I am so sad to hear the news. Just tonight, in fact, I was telling my husband about my Yellow Barn audition for him, so many years ago. I still apply some of the principles he taught me about chamber music. Sending my heartfelt condolences to the family.

During my six years with Mr. Wells, I learned about the cello, but I also learned about generosity of spirit, and simply how to BE. I can't perform and teach today without constantly referencing David. He was much more than a great cellist and teacher; much more, even, than a great musician--David was a great human being.

We are very sorry to hear of David's passing. Our condolences go out to the Wells family.

In 1974, after a casual kitchen table interview, David and Janet hired me to do a little typing and help them bring together a few of David’s students to make music in rural Putney – at first for one week in June.

It was on-the-job training for all of us as one season extended into two and then three and David’s vision coalesced around a divine mixture of music, a simpler country life, healthy food, and a nourishing web of musician and community relationships.

Those first 14 years had highs and lows – with concerts featuring many cello solos. But what was never compromised was David’s driving vision of the ideal musical life that students, teachers and audience could share. He was a beloved and benevolent tyrant. In his gentle, loving way he pushed us all – musicians, board members, administrators – to eternally work towards the dream that fired him as we reached out to our neighbors, the town, and ultimately to the country, and the world.

As perfectionists, musicians are not the easiest crew to work for. But the years I spent building this organization were ones of great personal growth for me as David’s dream of light, love, and celestial tones grew into the vibrant world of the Yellow Barn Music Festival.

Linda Rubinstein
Executive Director
1975-1988