The Essence of Professionalism: Insights from Franz Strauss

Professionalism is a critical aspect of any career, yet its true meaning often goes beyond simply showing up for work. In this article, we explore the concept of a professional attitude through the lens of Franz Strauss, a renowned horn player and accomplished musician of the 19th century. We delve into his hard-earned understanding of dedication and craftsmanship, and how these values shaped his work in music.

Defining Professional Attitude

Professionalism is more than just having a title or receiving a monetary reward. It is the commitment to excellence, to going above and beyond the expected norms, and to upholding a high standard of work regardless of personal feelings or external pressures. One quote that encapsulates this idea comes from Julie Andrews, where she quotes her voice teacher: “An amateur practices until he gets it right. A professional practices until he can't get it wrong.” This quote speaks to the unwavering pursuit of perfection that professionals embody.

Franz Strauss: A Study in Professionalism

Franz Strauss, born in 1822 and passing away in 1905, was a principal horn player at the Bavarian Court Opera for over 40 years. His career was marked by a multifaceted talent, spanning multiple musical instruments (including horn, guitar, clarinet, and viola) and roles as a composer, teacher, and conductor. Despite his grumpy disposition, Franz Strauss was a shining example of a professional attitude, as we will explore in his interactions with the composer Richard Wagner.

Challenges and Choices: Franz and Richard Wagner

Franz Strauss faced significant personal challenges in his early life, including the loss of his first wife and child to cholera at a young age. Despite these difficulties, he persevered, later marrying his second wife, Josephine, and building a happy family with her and their children, Richard and Berta. Franz’s relationship with Richard, a young composer deeply influenced by Wagner’s dramatic and expressive style, presented a unique opportunity to observe the professional’s response to the artist's personal preferences.

Music as a Greater Master

While Franz Strauss deeply admired the work of composers like Mozart, Haydn, and Schubert, he was a vocal critic of Richard Wagner, both as a composer and a person. However, this didn’t prevent him from putting his professional integrity into action. Despite his dislike for Wagner’s music, Franz Strauss dedicated countless hours to practicing and performing the intricate horn parts in Wagner's operas. His commitment to musical excellence was unrivaled, a testament to his dedication to craftsmanship and professionalism.

A Test of Professionalism: Public Gestures

One of the most notable instances of Franz Strauss's professionalism was when Wagner died in 1883. Instead of aligning with cultural expectations and standing with the broader musical community in silent honor, Strauss choose to remain seated. This decision was rooted in his belief that music itself deserved respect, regardless of the composer's personal qualities. It was a powerful statement that exemplifies the depth of his professional commitment.

The Wisdom of Franz Strauss

In conclusion, Franz Strauss’s life and career offer profound insights into the essence of professionalism. His example shows that true professionals are those who go beyond personal likes and dislikes, and approach their work with unwavering dedication and skill. Franz Strauss practiced so that he could not get it wrong, presenting a standard of performance that transcended his feelings towards a particular genre or artist.

Conclusion

The pursuit of professionalism in any field involves a deep commitment to skill, integrity, and dedication. Franz Strauss's story serves as a reminder to all professionals that their work should always reflect the highest standards of excellence, regardless of personal opinions or external pressures. His legacy continues to inspire musicians and professionals alike, encouraging them to practice until they excel, and to demonstrate true professionalism through their actions and commitment.