Klarinet Archive - Posting 000376.txt from 2002/05

From: w7wright@-----.net (William Wright)
Subj: [kl] Business matters
Date: Wed, 15 May 2002 02:26:35 -0400

Tonight (Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4), a soloist of international
repute cancelled because of a "scheduling conflict" and someone else
performed in his place. I realize that soloists cancel for reasons of
health, bad weather, or just plain being in a bad mood. But tonight's
cancellation started me wondering about the business end of music.

The concert and the music were announced at least 9 months in advance.
Therefore I assume that the phrase "scheduling conflict" really meant:
"I know that I agreed, but now I'm changing my mind. Sorry."

So I'm wondering what the 'normal' business arrangement (if there is
one?) says about cancellation without cause? Is it likely to be
written into a contract that the performer can back out just because he
or she feels like it? Are penalties usually specified in a contract?
Etc?

Thank you,
Bill

================

If I had Stadler's mouthpiece, would I play better? Or do I need his
ligature also? Or perhaps he and I are different persons? If I had
Mozart's pen, would I compose better?

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