Music: Out Goes Rodzinski

The phone rang in the Chicago Symphony's office, and a familiar voice spoke all-too-familiar words: "Dr. Rodzinski cannot conduct rehearsal today." Assistant Conductor Tauno Hannikainen was hurriedly called in. He had just 24 hours to rehearse with the soloist (Pianist Myra Hess) and to start learning Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony. Several hours later, the phone rang again; once again it was Mrs. Rodzinski on the line: "Dr. Rodzinski is better; he will conduct the Shostakovich; Hannikainen can conduct the rest." But the orchestra's trustees had already heard enough. Midway through the concert next day, critics were notified of a hasty press conference...

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