Mrs. Constance Shacklock:

>I am most impressed by the French Navy's apparent ability to nurture fine,
>strapping young composers- not only Msr. Cras but Msr. Albert Roussel
>launched their glorious careers with a maritime splash.

In Argentina, our conservatories have the far more impressive ability of
breeding fine admirals.  They often launch their careers with a wreck and,
with no exception, they sink with their ships.

>Have other composers pursued military careers? I recall in my youth seeing
>a fetching picture of Dmitri Shostakovich during the siege of Stalingrad
>wearing not only his customary little round glasses but a dashing fireman's
>helmet.

Shostakovich, Schoenberg and Berg (the only cases I know) didn't pursue
what one may call a military career.  They joined the army, voluntarily
or not, during WW I and II, and were not but regular soldiers (or firemen,
in the case of DS).  I don't remember, Rimsky-Korsakoff aside, another
composer engaged in a military career.

Pablo Massa
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