I attended the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Concert this evening and they performed Mahler's "Resurrection" Symphony No. 2. Having performed this work before, I was really curious how much of the original scoring they would use. Well, they minimized the trumpets to six - having four run off stage for the calls (as most orchestras do). It worked......but once I would like hear an orchestra use the full orchestration of ten - just for giggles. They also had the timpani set up antiphonally. That was a surprise for the ears. Spano did some different little things that I hadn't heard before, but it was overall a very traditional performance. Mark Hughes played principal trumpet and the lyrical passages were beautiful. I would have to give the group prize to the horns though. They sounded excellent. This orchestra really does need a new hall. The current one reminds me of Lincoln Center as the acoustics are not the greatest. I find it takes away the "shimmer" of the orchestra's overall sound.
A side note - I met my first TMer tonight..... "dizforprez" AKA Jason. As I was walking out we both did a double take and recognized one another from our avatars. LOL. It was a pleasure to meet you Jason !! I hope it is sooner rather than later that we play through some duets. Good luck with all you have going on your "plate". You can handle it.
P.S. Remember to send me a copy of that picture.
