In the narrative, the protagonist briefly contemplates the concept of orchestral courtesy and the sensitivities involved in choosing music for international performances. This reflection emphasizes the importance of being mindful of political context, especially with regard to the cultural background of composers.

For example, German orchestras historically made deliberate choices not to play Wagner in certain countries, opting instead for works by other German composers who were perceived as more conciliatory or less contentious. This illustrates how cultural sensitivities can shape artistic decisions.