The New York Philharmonic has decided it wants Riccardo Muti as its next music director. But even though the Philharmonic’s wishes have become public, it isn’t at all certain yet that the Italian maestro is sure he really wants, or needs, the podium that Kurt Masur plans to vacate in 2002. “Although orchestra officials deny that terms have even been discussed, rumors abound that Muti is holding out for a salary of $2 million and an annual residency of six weeks. “What [Muti] is doing, like the clever negotiator he is, is playing hardball,” says a highly placed executive in the music business who knows all parties in the negotiations.” – Chicago Tribune