The recent discussion of conductors and batons reminded me of a memorable
incident which occurred to George Solti in the 70s.  As reported in an
issue of Stereo Review, during a rehearsal, he was flailing away with his
baton, whipping the CSO into a frenzy when, suddenly!, he impaled the baton
into his temple.  He wasn't seriously injured but he did have to take a
break while he daubed the blood with his handkerchief and had the wound
bandaged.

Are there other memorable conducting incidents anyone knows of? Wasn't
there an (in)famous conductor who was so obnoxiously dictatorial to his
orchestra that some of the members took him out back after a rehearsal or
performance and beat him up?

Anecdotally yours,

Rob Baldwin
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