I recently performed Four Saints in Three Acts with the Mark Morris Dance Company and members of the Berkeley Symphony. This opera was written in 1934 by Virgil Thompson with libretto by Gertrude Stein. For this first Musical Epistle, I have copied a typical page from my accordion part, and I’ve written some notes that help explain what it’s like to like to play accordion with an orchestra. I’ve also added a sound clip of this passage, taken from a 1947 recording conducted by Virgil Thompson.