People · 1883
Over the piano was printed a notice: Please do not shoot the pianist. He is doing his best.
— Oscar Wilde • Personal Impressions of America (Leadville)
Behind the line May contain spoilers.
Our reading
An editorial interpretation.
This describes a notice over a piano begging listeners to go easy on the player because they're trying their best. It's funny because the plea treats bad music as something a crowd might answer with violence, painting a rough setting with gentle, deadpan humor.
Context reviewed