Message text written by The Horn List >Anyway, unlike most people, she didn't laugh. She let me finish my tale then unsmiling said, "Yes, I know, it was my grandad."<
Dear Lawrence and List Hmmm - this reminds me of a rehearsal years ago with a certain conductor who has now got quite a high reputation. Two deputy violinists - one an old pro and one a fresh young budding superstar were sharing a desk. The rehearsal was going very badly and, during a pause for a 'scrub', the older player turned to the younger and said words to the effect of (probably stronger) "this conductor is a complete idiot and I have just about had it up to here!" The younger player retorted "he is practically my brother in law!" The rehearsal continued with the older player frantically wondering how to dig herself out of this one. There was another pause for a 'scrub' at which point the younger player turned round and said "but I completely agree with you!". Mind you, I once went offstage after a choral concert in Scunthorpe and in to the men's bandroom where there was a babble of angry comments about this xxxx conductor, xxxx beat, xxxx tempi, xxxx understanding of the music, total idiot, waste of space, take the money, get to the pub and then off home etc., etc. I myself did not take part in this and was the only one to see a man taking off a tail coat in the corner and obviously about to burst into tears. But I must admit that, in the same hall, I once totally wrecked a horn solo during the rehearsal of a choral concert (actually, I think that you were on that one Lawrence - off stage horn call in 'The Canterbury Pilgrims' - rest of horn section in fits of mirth when I returned to the stage - ring any bells?). I think I got it right on the night (it was over 30 years ago) but, changing afterwards, I found myself standing next to one of the choristers who said "what was wrong with that xxxx French Horn player this afternoon?" I responded "I don't know but he has got to go!" - and with that, I left. Cheers Paul A. Kampen (W. Yorks UK) _______________________________________________ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music2.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
