The show must go on!!

[Schenkerian]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBbRTRBY4D4

[Peter]

She showed amazing humour at the situation - I doubt many would have reacted that way! Of course we have anecdotes of Brahms and Liszt transposing at sight on an out of tune piano, but most pianists in her situation would simply have walked off and waited for the new piano. The audience had a bonus masterclass in how to react when things don't go to plan.

[Quijote]

She showed amazing humour at the situation - I doubt many would have reacted that way! Of course we have anecdotes of Brahms and Liszt transposing at sight on an out of tune piano, but most pianists in her situation would simply have walked off and waited for the new piano. The audience had a bonus masterclass in how to react when things don't go to plan.

Check out how Jacqueline du Pre handles every string players' nightmare (see her solo entry in the 3rd movement of Dvorak's 'cello concerto):
https://youtu.be/U_yxtaeFuEQ?t=1746

[Peter]

This also happened to a viola player in the performance I attended in Vienna 2003 that recreated the famous Dec 1808 concert. Terrific performance of the Dvorak (my favourite cello concerto) by du Pre.

[Quijote]

This also happened to a viola player in the performance I attended in Vienna 2003 that recreated the famous Dec 1808 concert. Terrific performance of the Dvorak (my favourite cello concerto) by du Pre.

That must have been a great event. Did they play on period instruments?

[Schenkerian]

She showed amazing humour at the situation - I doubt many would have reacted that way! Of course we have anecdotes of Brahms and Liszt transposing at sight on an out of tune piano, but most pianists in her situation would simply have walked off and waited for the new piano. The audience had a bonus masterclass in how to react when things don't go to plan.

I think the boys removing the piano seemed unimpressed!! What about the musicians who yell at the audience when phones go off??!! It's the breach of the 'fourth wall' and that's why it's so surprising and funny.

[Peter]

That must have been a great event. Did they play on period instruments?

Indeed it was an unforgettable night in the Theater der Wien, though not during the freezing cold of December as originally, but during the heatwave of 2003 in August. We even had an improvisation that was based on a theme suggested by someone in the audience (we were all invited to put our suggestions into a basket, mine wasn't chosen!). Period instruments were used and the 4th piano concerto was also played on Fortepiano. They repeated the whole thing at the more appropriate date of Dec 22nd 2008 but I wasn't able to go that time.

[Quijote]

Indeed it was an unforgettable night in the Theater der Wien, though not during the freezing cold of December as originally, but during the heatwave of 2003 in August. We even had an improvisation that was based on a theme suggested by someone in the audience (we were all invited to put our suggestions into a basket, mine wasn't chosen!). Period instruments were used and the 4th piano concerto was also played on Fortepiano. They repeated the whole thing at the more appropriate date of Dec 22nd 2008 but I wasn't able to go that time.

I'm sure it was unforgettable! Still, even as a Beethoven fanboy, I'm not at all sure I could maintain a decent level of concentration over such a lengthy programme, and during a heatwave!

[Quijote]

A propos the heatwave, I bet the players had tuning problems...

[Quijote]

Or was there air-con in the venue?

[Peter]

I'm sure it was unforgettable! Still, even as a Beethoven fanboy, I'm not at all sure I could maintain a decent level of concentration over such a lengthy programme, and during a heatwave!

There were 3 short intervals which were much appreciated. I can't recall it being uncomfortable in the theatre but I doubt they had air-con (they certainly didn't have it on the trams), evening temperatures were more acceptable. I do recall finishing off at a cafe in the Ressel park near the magnificent Karlskirche.