Violinists in German orchestra want more money than their musical counterparts because they play more notes
Some musicians in the Bonn, Germany-based Beethoven Orchestra are suing their employer for a pay raise for rather unusual reasons.
The 16 violinists in the orchestra want more money than their musical counterparts because they play more notes than those who play instruments like the flute, oboe or trombone.
They are seeking the equivalent of about $150 Cdn extra for every rehearsal or performance. Orchestra director Laurentius Bonitz told the BBC the claim was “ridiculous.”
"Maybe it's an interesting legal question but musically, it's very clear to everyone," he said.
The violinists were also critical of a collective bargaining agreement they claim gives bonuses to soloists.
In Australia, musicians were having a field day with the case, according to an article in the Sydney Morning Herald. The paper said musicians there have come up with alternative ways to calculate play. Among the more humourous suggestions was charging waiting time for timpani players who, like taxi drivers, sit around for long interludes on the job. Or potentially payment by tremolo for fiddlers.
The case will be heard in May.
The 16 violinists in the orchestra want more money than their musical counterparts because they play more notes than those who play instruments like the flute, oboe or trombone.
They are seeking the equivalent of about $150 Cdn extra for every rehearsal or performance. Orchestra director Laurentius Bonitz told the BBC the claim was “ridiculous.”
"Maybe it's an interesting legal question but musically, it's very clear to everyone," he said.
The violinists were also critical of a collective bargaining agreement they claim gives bonuses to soloists.
In Australia, musicians were having a field day with the case, according to an article in the Sydney Morning Herald. The paper said musicians there have come up with alternative ways to calculate play. Among the more humourous suggestions was charging waiting time for timpani players who, like taxi drivers, sit around for long interludes on the job. Or potentially payment by tremolo for fiddlers.
The case will be heard in May.
