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The arguments against performance enhancing drugs in athletics are pretty clear-cut: they’re illegal, unsafe and unethical. But how about classical music? As it happens, the use of an anxiety-reducing drug called Inderal is helping an increasing number of musicians endure stressful auditions and solo performances. The drug is legal, non-habit-forming, and has no serious side effects, and yet, many musicians argue that using it amounts to cheating. We examine the issue today with musician, arts consultant and blogger Drew McManus, and we also take your calls. Also joining us is composer and music critic Danny Felsenfeld, who reviews new recordings of two pieces written on the grandest of scales, by Leonard Bernstein and William Bolcom.
Additional Resources:
» Performance Enhancing Drugs for Musicians? by Drew McManus
» Bernstein’s Mass CD information
» William Bolcom CD information
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