Hans, did you see the article last month in the New York Times about the large number of vacancies in the NY Philharmonic (not just in the horn section)? It could have been written by you. The article mentioned that it's not a lack of talented players but more a matter of finding someone who will fit into the section that has resulted in so many vacancies. If anything, the number of talented musicians in New York means the Philharmonic can take its time filling the vacancies, since finding a substitute or extra for any particular series isn't difficult. DJF
Message: 14 Date: Mon, 09 Aug 2010 17:33:24 +0200 From: Hans Pizka <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [Hornlist] Glazunov Reverie To: The Horn List <[email protected]> Message-ID: <[email protected]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii But then I have to ask you, how it comes, that many high ranking & very well paid positions remain vacant for years ???? My orchestra, just an example, has three horn vacancies out of total ten positions. But they are vacant since two seasons (my former position, which was occupied by a young lady for just a year, as she did not make it further), respectively for over one season (a low horn & a third horn). They had several unsatisfying auditions, ceased after the first two rounds. Many first horn positions vacant, waiting several years to be filled. How come, if there are so many superb players out there ??? Technical skill & perfection is just one side of the medal, serious musicality & knowledge the other side. I will not talk about experience, as a superb & ambitious player will gain that in a short time in the job. Being an excellent musician requires also vast knowledge about culture, musical history, composers, harmony, intuitive reaction to the unforeseen in the literature, prima vista play, which means jumping into the music, taking on the composers skin & dive in, also serious appearance on stage or even in the pit & a lot more. And as a surprise, some players fresh from music academy will get the job finally. Why ? They did not look to left or right, having their target in mind - the top of the top - ALWAYS. They are the most self critical players who do never give up. They know their limitations at all stages. _______________________________________________ post: [email protected] unsubscribe or set options at https://pegasus.memphis.edu/cgi-bin/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
