Hungarian composer Franz Liszt (1811-86), widely acclaimed as the greatest piano virtuoso of his time, was afflicted with the same complaint troubling most famous musicians, in that he was constantly expected to perform for whatever audience might be assembled.
At one especially tedious party, the hostess was so obvious about hinting that she was looking forward to a performance that she arranged the piano in the middle of the room, where it could not be missed.
Liszt, upon arriving and noting what was in store, asked his hostess where the piano was.
"Oh, would you really?" she intoned, "Here it is!"
"Ah, true," replied Liszt. "I wanted to put my hat on it ..."