Random Monday: Good News, Awkward Cues and Hula Hoops

A long strike may finally be over
Good news from Detroit as a tentative agreement may have been reached.

The deal, which was reached after discussions that ran from 1 p.m. Sunday until after 11 p.m., is subject to a ratification vote expected this week, said musicians’ spokesman Greg Bowens. If approved, he said Detroit Federation of Musicians union members with the nationally acclaimed orchestra could be back at work by next weekend.

Awkward cues
The final horn solo in Igor Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite can be a touchy spot made even more precarious with a clumsy cue from the conductor. Looking at a video of the composer himself conducting, Kenneth Woods makes a good point.

Like Hindemith, the technique isn’t going to win any beauty pageants. More to the point, some gestures are very in tune with dynamics and color of the music, while other aren’t. The cue to the horn soloist at the beginning of the Finale couldn’t really be less musically appropriate or less helpful. It is almost the perfect cue to cause a split- an arhythmic violent stab at the beginning of a lyrical, exposed solo. In fact the player doesn’t split for two reasons: one, he is a damn good horn player, and two, it was Igor freakin’ Stravinsky who gave the weird cue. Trust me, if it was me up there, the horn player would have split it big time.

The “damn good horn player” in this case is Alan Civil.

Dirty germs
Julia Rose gives another good reason for oiling your horn on a regular basis. Besides lubricating moving parts, oil also helps to prevent bacterial growth and buildup.

Thinking in terms of acoustics
Bruce Richards gives good observations on the home court advantage.

Cartoon fun
I have been enjoying a new web site called Odd Quartet which features clever and funny music-related cartoons. One of my favorites so far is “Should You Be Practicing Right Now?”

Playing dynamics
Robert Levine makes a very short statement on orchestral dynamics – or the lack thereof.

Getting buzzed
Andrew Hitz shares his notes from a Jim Thompson masterclass.

Dubious top this-and-that lists
At The Horn, commentary on BBC Magazine’s predilection for listing the Greatest things of all time.

Stop whining
The always entertaining Proper Discord gives us some good advice in the form of a classic poster.

A blending of East and West
Hornist Lin Anti comments on a recent concert in Taiwan.

Bringing it to the people
A concert advertisement illustrates one aspect of entrepreneurship for horn players to explore – concerts at retirement facilities.

Random videos

This was posted on our Facebook page and is worth repeating here.

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Hula hoops and horn playing.

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The show must go on, even with a little child decides to hug your leg.

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A look backstage for Mahler’s 2nd Symphony.

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