Pedal C

I really like Sommerhalder's recording that you linked to. I'd have to listen again to hear the slurring thing you mentioned, but what I like about his is how he uses the dynamics to give the phrases clear direction. I have to admit that I don't hear as much of that in Phil Smith's video, but these are subtle things and this recording probably went from TV to VHS to some sort of computer file to YouTube and it sounds to me like a lot of the nuance go lost in the many translations. I mentioned in EC's orchestra sound thread that I was amazed when I heard Phil Smith LIVE for the first time. His sound was much more live and vibrant than I expected, given some recordings I've heard.

I also have to say that I kind of like Rafael Mendez's version of the ending, although it takes away the natural-trumpet-esque fourths. All the retired principale players must have liked that when it premired!

Is there an explanation for that first whole note Eb? Other than to make the audiance think you came in early.

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"The oboe's A is to make sure we still play it 1 and 2" - Bud Herseth

"One way or another, every patient stops bleeding." - Scrubs