Random Update: Phx Symphony, A Rant and the 20-second Rule
We interrupt this hiatus for an update.
A one-shot post
This is a one-shot post during my 2-week hiatus. I will return to full blogging in 7 days — next Monday.
Confusion and misdirection in Phoenix
Apparently I wasn’t the only person confused by the recent about-face from the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra.
Articles at Musical America and at the New Times both point out the contradictory and overly-optimistic picture that was being painted by PSO officials prior to the so-called “landmark accord” of a 17% across-the-board pay cut.
To quote the great bard, “by indirections find directions out.” More and more people are finally beginning to realize that something is indeed rotten in the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra.
French horn rant
An alternative view on Jasper Ree’s tome A Devil to Play. Despite its rather gruff tone, it does put things into another perspective. To most people a book about the French horn doesn’t hold a lot of value.
Real World Horn Playing
A book of great value — I finally received my copy of Wendell Rider’s book. So far, I like it very much. I can identify with his approach.
The 20-second rule
Kenneth Woods offers some excellent advice for conductors.
The rule is simple- when a conductor stops the orchestra, she or he should be able to say whatever needs saying and have the orchestra playing again in 20 seconds.
Back next week!
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