Essen Philharmonic cancels premiere performance

October 28, 2025, 1:46 PM · Well, that's a relief!

I've read that Simon Fischer admired Midori's "never say no" attitude, willing to take on a challenge. I don't know if that included avant-garde (a dated term!). In fact, Clara Iannotta's music isn't even considered radical anymore. We've got to push the limits further for that. Any ideas?

There's a bit of irony here. The cognoscenti of the inner circle have become refusniks.

Anyhow, I won't deny that I'm smiling. I never liked Neue Sachlichkeit and said no to that pill when I was a boy.

Replies (5)

jean dubuisson

October 28, 2025, 2:43 PM · https://www.thestrad.com/news/heartbreak-as-essen-philharmonic-cancels-premiere-performance-of-violin-concerto/20413.article

"for detuned violin"---interesting :-)

Jim Buckhorn

October 28, 2025, 4:22 PM · That's right. You could still raise eyebrows with an incorrect pitch.

Scordatura is used to great effect in Camille Saint-Saëns's Danse Macabre.

Mark Breiger

October 28, 2025, 6:57 PM · I suspect there is more going on here.

Maybe the composer did not placate the musicians union. Maybe the composer created a work that could not be brought up to a playable level in the amount of time alloted for rehearsals. Maybe there is some other beef or powerplay between the players and orchestral management.

In my opinion, the players refusing to perform the work makes them look bad.

Jim Buckhorn

October 28, 2025, 7:11 PM · Maybe the composer complained of their profound lack of curiosity.