The Fallout of Fame

Another week - another concert. We had the chance to work with a real legendary conductor and composer this week - one of the perks of being a musician is getting to meet these people you have admired for years. I have never met anyone so rude and so disrespectful towards musicians. What is it? Is it being famous for decades that makes one feel better than others - that blinds your eyes to your own mistakes, and blames those below when you make a mess of things? Is it a resentment because even though you have international recognition, it is not enough. It was three days of ridicule from a talented man who is destroyed by his own complexes, and spoiled by those who do not help him understand human nature, and personal responsibility, but tell him what he wants to hear - ‘Yes Maestro - they are shocking - it could not possibly be your fault’ when he gives no cues, no hint of what he is beating where, no chance to ask what is happening. Of course the tap can be turned on or off - one minute anger, the next charm. But who am I to criticise such a great musician? I’ll just keep practicing my triangle and one day I’ll get there....