When alternate history enthusiasts think about musical WIs, most of the time it's about modern pop music--the Beatles not splitting (or never forming in the first place and an aspiring singer from another TL claiming their songs), Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens not taking that fateful plane, Kurt Cobain not committing suicide, etc. All well and good, but I would like to open a discussion about other music-related ideas in alternate history.
As an example, in WIAF, Alexander Scriabin does not die from an infected shaving cut in 1915; he lives on to become increasingly fascinated with theosophy and to work on his magnum opus Mysterium, whose performance was supposed to usher the end of the current cosmic cycle and the advent of a new one. Eventually he becomes a full-fledged cult leader, as shown in @Bruno's story The Road to Yakutia.
Another composer from the early 20th century cut down in her prime was Lili Boulanger, who died from the same chronic condition that has plagued my own life. Had she lived she may well have earned her place among such giants as Stravinsky and Bartok, but she didn't make it to her 25th birthday.
Can you chaps think of other examples, either from complete TLs or just as ideas you've had?
As an example, in WIAF, Alexander Scriabin does not die from an infected shaving cut in 1915; he lives on to become increasingly fascinated with theosophy and to work on his magnum opus Mysterium, whose performance was supposed to usher the end of the current cosmic cycle and the advent of a new one. Eventually he becomes a full-fledged cult leader, as shown in @Bruno's story The Road to Yakutia.
Another composer from the early 20th century cut down in her prime was Lili Boulanger, who died from the same chronic condition that has plagued my own life. Had she lived she may well have earned her place among such giants as Stravinsky and Bartok, but she didn't make it to her 25th birthday.
Can you chaps think of other examples, either from complete TLs or just as ideas you've had?