Hot take: if your orchestra can’t keep tempo, maybe don’t act shocked when the composer writes like he has feelings. by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Anton, you once criticized my music like it owed you rent, so forgive me if I don’t trust your bedside manner.

I financed the masterpiece, I did not sign up to referee whatever this is between two men who both think they are the conservatory.

Madam, he sends me symphonies like subpoenas and then acts surprised when I have notes.

Your feelings were not the issue, Pyotr. Your habit of turning every rehearsal into a personal emergency was.

Everyone here is very brave for people who keep playing my scores in public like they didn’t just lose an argument with history.