Friday, August 29, 2008

The Importance of Conductors

A conductor became ill before a concert one evening and the orchestra had to find an emergency substitute conductor immediately. The only person in the orchestra with any conducting experience was the 2nd trombone player. He bravely and meticulously conducted the concert and it was a tremendous success. The regular conductor had recovered by the next night and was back on the job. As the trombone player took his seat in the orchestra, the 1st trombone player turned to him and asked, "So, where were you last night?"

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

How to Handel a Singer

An English Singer, named Gordon, once found fault with Handel's method of accompanying. High words ensued ; and Gordon finished by saying, that, if Handel persisted in accompanying him in that manner, he would jump upon his Harpsichord and smash it to pieces. ' Oh ! ' replied Handel, ' let me know when you will do that, and I will advertise it ; for I am sure more people will come to see you jump, than to hear you sing.'

from The Life of George Frederick Handel
By William Smyth Rockstro, George Frideric Handel
Published by Macmillan, 1883