Reading Michael Hovanian’s recent blog story Bad Friday made me recall (for whatever reason) a tale that a Chicago Symphony bassist told me many years ago….
Sir Georg Solti, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra‘s longtime music director, had a reputation for being fairly difficult to understand in rehearsal. New orchestra musicians would often gaze quizzically at him as he barked out rehearsal numbers, not sure if he had coughed or actually pointed out a place to start. Veteran orchestra members, used to understanding his thick Hungarian accent, would pass back the rehearsal number to the newer members, making for an interesting call-and-response between the back and front of various sections.
One time, during a particularly quiet passage in a recording session, one of the bassist’s extensions loudly popped open, making a ‘BWANG!’ sound. Solti whipped his head around and yelled out:
"Throw out the kitchen!"
Ever hear that one before?
Photo Credit: www.lemur-music.com
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