[This may sound like a joke, but as far as I know, it's the real thing.
Brings to mind the business about violists in the old days being responsible
for providing, lighting and changing candles because they had less to play.]

   BERLIN (AP) - Violinists at a German orchestra are suing for
   a pay raise on the grounds that they play many more notes per
   concert than their colleagues do - litigation that the
   orchestra's director on Tuesday called "absurd."

   The 16 violinists at the Beethoven Orchestra in Bonn argue
   that they work more than their fellow musicians who play
   instruments like the flute, oboe and trombone, and also say
   a collective bargaining agreement that gives bonuses to
   soloists is unjust.

   But Bonn orchestra director Laurentius Bonitz said it was
   unreasonable to compare playing a musical instrument with
   other jobs.  "The suit is ridiculous," Bonitz said.  "It's
   absurd."

   He also argued that soloists and musicians in other leading
   roles - like the orchestra's two oboe players - should make
   more money.

   "Maybe it's an interesting legal question but musically, it's
   very clear to everyone," Bonitz said.  The case is scheduled
   in a labour court during May.

Janos Gereben/SF
www.sfcv.org
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