Last night I did something I usually don't do; I went to the New York Philharmonic to hear a 19th century program. But in this case, it was a fluff-free all Brahms program, and they sent me discount invitations via email. (Vera and our friend Tina went to the movies instead.) In addition, the concert was to be conducted by Kurt Masur, a noted Brahms conductor. The Double Concerto, which I love, was the first half. It had a last minute substitute cellist, and, as well, they announced that Masur would not be able to conduct the piece, but would conduct the second half, Brahms 2nd symphony. So the Double Concerto was conducted by an assistant, and the result was pretty messy. Masur it turns out, is extremely frail, and can barely move. But in any case, the 2nd was a delight, and reminded me of how much I love Brahms, and love hearing it performed by a live orchestra. I thought only Wagner Ring cycles were subject to last minute cancellations.
I bought a ticket for the Brahms 3rd and 4th next week, too.
We still have gas lines out our windows, and car horns honking all day long as people battle over their place in line.
