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An interesting anecdote is told by Dies of his first experience
with the Salomon Orchestra. The symphony began with three single
notes, which the orchestra played much too loudly; Haydn called for
less tone a second and a third time, and still was dissatisfied. He
was growing impatient. At this point he overheard a German player
whisper to a neighbour in his own language: "If the first three
notes don't please him, how shall we get through all the rest?"
Thereupon, calling for the loan of a violin, he illustrated his
meaning to such purpose that the band answered to his requirements
in the first attempt. Haydn was naturally at a great disadvantage
with an English orchestra by reason of his ignorance of the
language. It may be true, as he said, that the language of music
"is understood all over the world," but one cannot talk to an
orchestra in crotchets and semi-breves.
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