LIstzless

Having had another bad night last night I lay awake listening to Classical music. I was wondering to myself how the great Composers got on for musicians and which came first. Bit like the chicken and the egg I suppose. I mean old Beethoven is beavering away with his quill writing down the dots of some great Opus? But where are the musicians and what are they doing. I mean how could they have been of a high standard as there were no Big music shops to go along to and purchase some sight reading? Did they practice all day waiting for one of the composers to write a masterpiece? Even better how did old Brahms contact the musicians when he wanted to get them together for a blow and a pluck? text e mail...carrier pidgeon. Were they pro musicians or did they have a day job cleaning the inns and stables etc??? Oh it's a mystery really but then again I am sure one night I will have plenty of time to solve ye olde problem?