[Erasmus]

I was at a concert of the Chicago Symphony (on tour, in 1971). Solti at the podium and the young (and destined to die far too soon) Michael Rabin was on the program with the Tchaikovsky violin concerto.

The first piece was Bruckner’s 7th. Near put me to sleep—maybe I wasn’t ready for Bruckner at that point. Anyway, the violinist on the front row to the conductor’s right had a string break. She immediately handed it over her shoulder to the violinist behind her, and took that performer’s instrument. It was almost as if they had drilled the exchange in the past. Then it was up to the second-row violinist to restring the instrument and get back in action before the end of the movement.

[CrazyIvan]

Do they rehearse emergencies like this? Got me, I'm just a small time choir member! If I'm not mistaken, the incident I am referring to happened at The International Tchaikovsky Competition. On second thought, I am not sure I read it. My choir director may have been there. I wouldn't be surprised, he was turning pages for E. Powers Biggs at age 12, so he's been there and seen (heard) that!

[billorites]

"maybe I wasn’t ready for Bruckner at that point..."

I know the feeling. I always consider Bruckner to be sort of Philip Glass for the 'thinking man'.