TCoT+Murdered+Maestro

The Case of the Murdered Maestro Maestro Von Fitzenmitz, the conductor and artistic director of the world famous Boston Symphony Orchestra, was shot dead last night just before the concert. Rather than cancel the concert, his first assistant and principal cellist, Sean Patrick Murphy, led the orchestra before a sold out audience. The maestro was found backstage moments before the concert was to begin. He was shot twice in the back of the head while he was doing his regular thirty minutes routine in preparation for the performance. A small pistol with a silencer that was small enough to fit in a woman’s purse was found next to the body. There were no fingerprints and no one was seen near the crime scene. Two members of the orchestra have dressing rooms near the place where Fitzenmitz was found: his assistant, Sean Patrick Murphy, and first violinist Melody Phillips. Haledjian went to interview the suspects while the chief inspector reviewed the crime scene. When Haledjian arrived at Murphy’s studio he found Murphy standing near the door. “Are you Sean Patrick Murphy?” asked Haledjian. “That’s me,” answered Murphy taking the cigarette from his mouth. “What can I do for you?” “What can you tell me about the death of Maestro Fitzenmitz?” “I know nothing except that I was asked at the last minute to conduct,” Murphy replied, shaking his head. “I was here at my studio preparing for the concert when I got the call.” “Can anyone vouch for you?” Haledjian asked. “Well, someone must have heard me practicing,” replied the cellist. “Maybe you should ask the violinist next door.” “I’ll do that. However, may I have a look around your studio?” “Of course.” Inside the studio there was a music stand, scores on the floor, the cello in its case, and a tape recorder. Haledjian turned on the tape recorder. It was the cellist playing the piece for his next concert. “Why do you have a tape recorder?” Haledjian asked. “It is typical for musicians to tape their practicing,” answered Murphy. “I see. So, who is the violinist?” “Miss Phillips, right next door. She might be a little bitter, however. Everyone knows that she and the Maestro were having an affair, and he just recently broke it off. On top of that, he criticized her playing in front of the entire orchestra. It was humiliating.” Haledjian went to Miss Phillips’ studio. Miss Phillips was first violinist and concert mistress of the orchestra. Haledjian eyed her open purse with black leather gloves sticking out. He began questioning her. She said she had heard Murphy practicing, and she confirmed it was customary for musicians to record their work. But she grew beet red when Haledjian asked about their relationship and refused to say another word. Haledjian changed the subject. “Murphy must be quite good to be principal cellist and assistant conductor.” “Yes, indeed. At the concert before last night, his string broke and he had to re-finger the entire passage of the final movement. That requires quite a lot of skill!” Haledjian walked back to Murphy’s studio. Haledjian said that Miss Phillips refused to speak about her relationship with Fitzenmitz but confirmed that she heard him practicing. He then asked, “May I take a look at your cello?” “But of course. Careful though, It is more than 150 years old.” He opened the case for Haledjian and there lay a beautiful French cello. There indeed was the broken string from the last concert. Haledjian returned to the chief inspector. The chief inspector said, “There are a few more clues here if you would like to take a look.” “There is no need,” replied Haledjian. Who murdered the Maestro? How did Haledjian know?