Why should not the public have an encore if it desired it, and why should a conductor or a performer object?
Hofmann explained to him the entity of a symphonic programme; that it was made up with one composition in relation to the others as a sympathetic unit, and that an encore was an intrusion, disturbing the harmony of the whole.
"I wish you would let Stokowski come out and explain to you what he is trying to do," said Hofmann.

"He knows what he wants, and he is right in his efforts; but he doesn't know how to educate the public.

There is where you could help him." But Bok had no desire to meet Stokowski.

He mentally pictured the conductor: long hair; feet never touching the earth; temperament galore; he knew them! And he had no wish to introduce the type into his home life.
Mrs.Bok, however, ably seconded Josef Hofmann, and endeavored to dissipate Bok's preconceived notion, with the result that Stokowski came to the Bok home.
Bok was not slow to see Stokowski was quite the reverse of his mental picture, and became intensely interested in the youthful conductor's practical way of looking at things.

It was agreed that the encore "bull" was to be taken by the horns that week; that no matter what the ovation to Hofmann might be, however the public might clamor, no encore was to be forthcoming; and Bok was to give the public an explanation during the following week.