PUBLIC CRITICISM

If you’re going to critique loudly in public, make sure the composer isn’t sitting next to you. At the Paris premiere of Mendelssohn’s *A Midsummer Night’s Dream* overture, a group of music lovers in his box chatted freely—unaware Mendelssohn himself was there. One even stood up and announced they wouldn’t “relish the rest” and left. It’s the 19th‑century version of posting a hot take… while the artist is in the replies.