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Doublereed Archive - Posting 000071.txt from 2006/11
From: Dr Murray Finkelstein <murray.finkelstein@-----.ca>
Subj: [DR-L] Re: Blair Tindall's Mozart in the Jungle
Date: Wed, 15 Nov 2006 10:42:03 -0500
I have just finished reading this book. As an avid amateur oboist I
found it fascinating and couldn't put it down. As an avid reader, I
found the writing less than first class, but that doesn't stop me from
recommending the book very highly. I recall that there was heated
discussion about this book on the list last month. In retrospect, I
think that all those who raged against it without having read the book
have missed the point. It is true that Ms Tindall describes personal
behaviours that I would be appalled to have my daughter indulge in. But
the book is really about music education and associated false
expectations, the difficult lives of most musicians, and societal
support for the arts. These discussions are well woth reading and
contemplating. I was fortunate that I recognized in university that I
didn't have the talent to earn a living in music. One conservatory
friend is scratching out a living as a musician 35 years later. Another
colleague from the National Youth Orchestra of Canada has a chair in one
of Canada's leading orchestras... not long ago he told me that he
couldn't wait to retire, put away his oboe and never touch it again. All
this, and much more, is captured compellingly in Ms Tindall's book. I
think that this book should be required reading for all students
applying for entry to faculties of music.
Off to rehearsal... I still love to play.!!!
--
Murray M. Finkelstein PhD MD CCFP
Department of Family and Community Medicine
Mt Sinai Hospital
60 Murray Street, 4th Floor, Box 25
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 3L9
Phone: 416-326-7879
Fax: 416-326-7761
E-Mail: murray.finkelstein@-----.ca
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