Michael Hall NS Trainers Training 2004 Module Four Business Skills

Everyone wants to know: What does it take to reach success in business—the kind of success that lasts? It all comes down to a solid grasp of the fundamentals of business—the same kind that are taught to MBA students in many of the world's most prestigious business schools.

Frank Martin’s Violin Concerto must be counted one of the finest 20th century works in the genre. It’s a very beautiful, lyrical work. The opening orchestral tutti alone instantly establishes an unforgettable, magical atmosphere, an amalgam of impressionism, jazz, modal harmony, and a touch of 12-tone technique. There was an old Decca recording with Wolfgang Schneiderhan (recently reissued on DG), which was quite good, but this version is in another league. Not only does Michael Erxleben essay the solo part with a wholly winning combination of shapely phrasing and rhythmic suppleness (Schneiderhan was a touch foursquare), but the Winterthur orchestra under Jac van Steen plays Martin’s austere but evocative score with real character. The balance between solo and ensemble also is perfectly judged, allowing a vivid interplay between the two and support for the soloist that, however gentle, never lacks for color and impact.

Team training is hard. Training on a mass scale is even harder.