Drunken Bases in Symphony Performance

There was this big performance of Beethoven's 9th Symphony. At
one point in this piece the bases have absolutely nothing to do
for pages and pages, and it so happened there was a little
tavern across the street from the concert hall. So, when they
began their endless rests they quietly put down their
instruments, and discreetly slipped out to get some drinks.


After a couple rounds one of the bases pointed out that perhaps
they should go back so they wouldn't be late. Another base said,
"No, don't worry. I took care of it! You see, I tied the end of
the conductors music together, so when he gets close to the end
he'll have to slow the tempo way down while he tries to untie
it!" The others agree this is a good idea and order another
round.


After the next round they head back to the concert hall and the
conductor looks really angry! After all, it was the bottom of
the 9th, the score was tied, and the bases were loaded!