In Hollywood’s ongoing cheerless attempts to contest the joy of music by cutting stellar classical musicians down to size, “Maria” joins the curt parade of “Tár” and “Maestro.”

“I was a layer cake of abandonment and hurt and fury, iced with a smile,” goes a typically curt, sardonic line in Manguso’s second novel, which chronicles the slow-motion collapse of a marriage.

Asked if he was considering any fundamental changes to his approach - which he clearly will not implement - Guardiola's initial reaction was curt.

"No, it is just a win," was Ten Hag’s curt reply when asked if the success could be regarded as a turning point.

“Ask them ‘what do you need?’” says Hayden - even if that is met more than once with curt replies such as “new legs!” as runners shuffle past.