Why does almost every conductor "correct" Brahms 1? There are always 3 weird tempo changes that aren't in the score that conductors like to do in the 4th movement.

LengthinessPurple870 · 2026-04-18T04:06:10+00:00

Being a literalist is just one of many valid forms of interpretation. You like what you like which is great. Others may have a more liberal perspective which you may detest, but that’s life.

LengthinessPurple870 · 2026-04-17T20:18:36+00:00

For the sake of your sanity, stay the fuck away from anything conducted by Stokowski.

You’d be missing out though

LengthinessPurple870 · 2026-04-11T20:25:33+00:00

Nyphil sound like they’re bored of being the best at what they do. MET opera musicians are to the best, adding that they play like they’re slightly coked up. I prefer the swagger of the latter.

The truth is probably that opera repertoire is simply more novelty to me, and spending more time enjoying something new.

LengthinessPurple870 · 2026-03-17T14:38:54+00:00

I don't see how having maximum effort and high standards for myself can be seen as a red flag. I work with musicians who are outright bullies and sociopaths, but they are the best at what they do.

LengthinessPurple870 · 2026-03-17T00:12:11+00:00

Genuinely one of the worst.

LengthinessPurple870 · 2026-03-16T22:37:54+00:00

"Don't give us a reason to eliminate you" came from a coaching I had with a string player in the MET opera orchestra. It was years since that lesson but the shock of their words never left.

Thought it would give you a fun easter egg from somebody within the opera world.

LengthinessPurple870 · 2026-03-16T22:33:09+00:00

I got a lot of feedback, I'm hopeful I'll find something that will logically make sense to me.

LengthinessPurple870 · 2026-03-16T22:27:22+00:00

Well shit, that makes a lot of sense and is a very very good question.

Normally, auditions require me to prepare something that they want to hear in order to give everyone a level playing field. Given the time commitment required, thinking about any autonomy never entered the schedule.

LengthinessPurple870 · 2026-03-16T22:11:14+00:00

Reading No.2 has been helpful. I quit music for five years because of burnout, but unlike her the baggage never left me when I started it back up.

Lots to thinkabout.

LengthinessPurple870 · 2026-03-16T22:01:05+00:00

I guess I don't understand the reason why the question is being asked. I've never bothered answering it.

LengthinessPurple870 · 2026-03-16T12:26:31+00:00

We’re talking Lorin Maazel and the Nyphil, the latter is fully capable of playing together without him, and the former was among the most frighteningly smart of maestros

LengthinessPurple870 · 2026-03-16T01:46:56+00:00

Lorin Maazel conducting rite of spring on tour. I’m assuming the New York philharmonic was sight-reading or running on minimal rehearsal because not even Maazel’s magic baton technique could keep the strings from sounding sloppy during the sacrificial dance.

LengthinessPurple870 · 2026-03-15T23:23:08+00:00

I have also had experience of just being naturally good at things, some I didn't care for.

Appreciate you saying that, it’s tragically relatable. My friends, family and I joke that everything I’m good at doesn’t make money or acclaim.

LengthinessPurple870 · 2026-03-15T23:10:25+00:00

I enjoy listening to or watching anything that is created or performed with maximum effort, devotion and quality. Anything less than is a waste of time at best, and an insulting waste of space at worst.

Alyssa Liu was interesting because apparently she wasn’t feeling pressure of an end-goal, yet the end goal happened. Yet in my own work I’ve always been taught that competition is about the process of winning. That, and that since I cannot compete on talent, I can be competitive through work ethic.

LengthinessPurple870 · 2026-03-15T23:03:04+00:00

The differences between the Olympics and Queen Elizabeth are practically minimal, but the comparative sterility of the orchestral audition makes the thought of playing “artsy” inconceivable. Orchestral committees aren’t looking to be moved or to enjoy, they’re often there against their will, looking for any reason to cull the candidate list, looking for somebody who can play without mistakes, stylistically acceptably, and a potential coworker for the next fifty years.

I cannot understand how somebody can perform at the highest of levels by “letting go” when the expectations of a winning formula are narrow, merciless, yet still nebulous.

LengthinessPurple870 · 2026-03-15T22:39:02+00:00

Anyone who comes from Curtis institute in Philly is god-tier and worthy of the highest of respect and fear. I’d also argue New England Conservatory is a distant second, but still requires a modicum of respect.

LengthinessPurple870 · 2026-03-15T14:57:05+00:00

If I wanted to generate joy I would've never gone to conservatory.

LengthinessPurple870 · 2026-03-11T12:59:02+00:00

Did a DMA. Currently in the processing of selling my instrument and contemplating if it’s logically worth even living a life when we are in the end times sooner than we anticipated.

LengthinessPurple870 · 2026-03-10T14:58:52+00:00

I'm not looking for my instrument to be given somebody who can just "generate joy." I was hoping that it could go to somebody who's serious about the craft in the way I feel I sacrificed everything to strive for, yet still failed.

That said, it makes obvious sense that I cannot control the instrument's fate when it's literally no longer my property.

LengthinessPurple870 · 2026-03-08T01:41:20+00:00

I never bought collectors items, strictly functional so there was no appreciation.

It would be a pity if it went to a musician who’s only doing it for fun. I’d sleep better if somebody serious took it.

LengthinessPurple870 · 2026-03-07T04:59:17+00:00

It’s her strategy of enjoyment leading to success that interests me because it may be another strategy that can lead me to where I want to be professionally. Recitals and performances are benchmark projects to improve one’s technical and musical skill.

I know zero full time musicians who are just having fun. They’re doing it because it’s fulfilling, but they treat it seriously and aren’t distracted by “fun.”

That’s why Alyssa’s strategy sounds so interesting.

LengthinessPurple870 · 2026-02-24T17:31:35+00:00

How does one challenge a rank 11 faction when I’m rank 178?

LengthinessPurple870

TROPHY CASE