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Mute change at measure 250 in Danzon No. 2 (Marquez):

What are the options?

Hup

I've played this a few times. Getting the mute in works okay. When removing it, there is not really enough time. I just hold it in my left hand and continue playing with my right hand until I can put it down. A playing stand makes this a little easier.

Shameless video plug: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQbBB5Z ... t6&index=3. You can see how gracefully I insert the mute. Unfortunately there is no shot of me removing it even more gracefully. I would also note that in all cases of mute insertion/removal I did not take out the second violinist sitting next to me on a very crowded stage.

When I played it, I did the same as Mark. Inserting was no issue, and I held it until I had the chance to put it down.

I've used a mute assistant before. The best part is he could not talk back.

set up a cushion on riser by chair; play muted part holding on to mute with left hand; pull out mute then drop on cushion