post-season thoughts

I was musing over this past weekend’s performances of Mahler’s Third, and there were quite a few remarkable things/moments that came up – so I thought I’d share them here. In no particular order:

• James Shields (principal clarinet) has the most amazing clarinet sound I’ve ever heard.
• Martha Long’s (principal flute) subito pianissimo in the final adagio: breathtaking!
• Mark Dubac (E-flat clarinet) playing as klezmer an un-klezmer solo as you can without going over the line. Well done, my friend!
• Sarah Kwak’s (concertmaster) solos – the perfect sound for Mahler.
• The entire double bass section for their frenzied passage in the first movement – it was like a seismic event!
• Robert Taylor (acting principal trombone) played his huge solos with such grace and power.
• The entire low brass section played with such power and precision. What an amazing group you are!
• Chris Whyte for his huge final cymbal crash – you’ve got cahones!
• Timpanists Sergio Careno and Jon Greeney – epic synchronized swimming at the close of the last Adagio.
• Michael Roberts on the bass drum – such a beautiful touch!
• The entire string section for that hushed beginning to the final adagio – what an honor it is to play with you all!