Klarinet Archive - Posting 001350.txt from 2004/03

From: donna@-----.com
Subj: [kl] Maybe there is such a thing as too many notes...
Date: Wed, 24 Mar 2004 11:33:46 -0500

Someone left this news clipping on my desk this morning. Not sure where it came
from, so I've typed it in since it's short:

Note-weary violinists sue for higher scale

BERLIN (AP) - Violinists with a German orchestra are suing for a pay raise on
the grounds that they play many more notes per concert than their colleagues do
- litigation that the orchestra's director yesterday called "absurd."

The 16 violinists with the Beethoven Orchestra in Bonn argue that they work more
than their fellow musicians who play instruments such as the flute, oboe and
trombone. The string section contingent also says a collective bargaining
agreement that gives bonuses to soloists is unjust.

But Bonn orchestra director Laurentius Bonitz said it was unreasonable to
compare playing a musical instrument with other jobs.

"The suit is ridiculous," Bonitz said. "It's absurd."

He also argued that soloists and musicians in other leading roles - such as the
orchestra's two oboe players - should make more money.

"Maybe it's an interesting legal question but musically it's very clear to
everyone," Bonitz said.

At the Philadelphia Orchestra, this issue was settled long ago. String players
get a $20 per week "string bonus."

The German case is scheduled to be heard in a labor court during May.

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