[CAUT] In pursuit of perfection

[johnsond]

Hi-



This is without doubt the most difficult and frustrating point of 
contention regarding our work.....  at least as I see it.  Obviously 
everyone involved wants everyone else do their small part as well as 
possible for the good of the whole, but unfortunately we sometimes end 
up competing with each other for limited time in a limited space.  I've 
even heard organizers say that we don't have to worry about scheduling 
the piano technician because "he'll just work in the cracks".  There may 
have been "cracks" in the schedule years ago, but not now.  I've had 2 
piano events without even as much as 45 minutes open and available for 
tuning from 7:30am till certain time that evening. What can ya do?  
Eventually, with the right people involved, and persistent but polite 
negotiation- that is improving.  Ultimately, or at some point, we have 
to be able to wash our hands of an impossible situation.  For our own 
sanity, if nothing else.

I still remember the story F. Mohr told about a certain pianist who 
would not stop rehearsing to allow for tuning.  Finally 20 minutes 
before curtain he stepped aside and told him he could tune now.  
Bravely- Mr. Mohr declined.  "I don't do miracles", he said.   The 
papers later noted how unfortunate it was that the piano never got tuned. 

good luck,

dennis johnson
St. Olaf College