Scott Morrison wrote:

>Another that has been recommended to me, but which I haven't read yet,
>is Cassandra Garbus's 'Solo Variations.' The author is a former free-lance
>oboist and this is her first novel, but I've been assured that it is
>very accurate about such things as the auditioning process and the like.

In another post I decried Solo Variations as what appears to be an example
of what happens when an agent gets a hold of a good idea that might have
limited appeal and decides to "broaden" that appeal by adding a series
of maudlin relationships that have little or nothing to do with musical
life.  I have no idea if this is the case, but what at the core is an
interesting "roman a clef" about the freelancing world of a New York
City oboist, is in the end, a self-indulgent whiny soap opera.  It almost
seems to be by two people.  "Too bad," I kept saying as I read, reserving
my tears for what might have been.

Roger Hecht