I once read a review of a Symphony Orchestra which examined its latest performance of Schubert’s ‘Unfinished Symphony’.
The report follows…. “For considerable periods, the oboe players had nothing to do. Their number should be reduced, and their work spread over the whole orchestra, thus avoiding peaks of inactivity. All twelve violins were playing identical notes. This seems unnecessary duplication – staff of this section should be drastically cut. If a large volume of sound is really required, this could be obtained through the use of an amplifier.
The piccolo does very little, and then only when the conductor looks in his direction: this position should be made redundant. Much effort was involved in playing the demi-semiquavers. This seems an excessive refinement, and it is recommended that all notes should be rounded up to the nearest semiquaver. If this were done, it should be possible to use trainees.
No useful purpose is served by repeating with horns the passage that has already been handled by the strings. If all such redundant passages were eliminated, the concert could be reduced from two hours to at most twenty minutes. In summary, restructuring the symphony in accordance with these observations would allow the performance to be completed sooner, would reduce the wages bill, and would give each musician a sense that their individual contribution was really significant.
If Schubert had given attention to these matters, he would probably have had the time to finish this symphony.”
What is our role and function and how do we best do it? What is really important in our lives? The “why?” needs to instruct the “how?” Cheap, quick and easy is not always the best. Strive for excellence and give your best otherwise you will not be satisfied and you may miss the point entirely.
What will you gain, if you own the world but destroy yourself?
Matt 16:26
eChap prayer for today
Lord God, Help me to work towards excellence and be willing to pay the price with my time, effort and energy. Amen
Attributions:
- Schubert, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons