• U.S.

Music: Badgered Bassoonist

1 minute read
TIME

Long, fuzzy-headed Ernst Panenka enrolled with the Boston Symphony in 1930. He was such a good bassoonist that Conductor Sergei Koussevitzky soon had him soloing with the orchestra. Last year Star Bassoonist Panenka began to play so poorly that Koussevitzky demoted him, threatened to fire him unless he improved. Suing for divorce in Dedham. Mass, last week. Bassoonist Panenka blamed his failing musicianship on his wife Rosa who, he alleged, threw dishes, slammed doors and whistled while he practiced. Divorce was granted.

More Must-Reads from TIME

Contact us at letters@time.com