Today's Philadelphia Inquirer has a wonderful article on how Wolfgang
Sawallisch has remade the Philadelphia Orchestra over the past 7 years
into the absolutely splendid instrument it is now.

It's available at:

http://web.philly.com/content/inquirer/2000/09/17/sunmag/features/A17ORCH.htm

One can't escape the obvious reverence of the musicians for WS, now
deepened by his emotional recovery with them following the death of his
wife (accompanied by some biting remarks against WS's predecessor).  Their
growing faith in his leadership has been matched by a new intensity in his
own direction.

I also can't help wonder whether the musicians' fussiness at selecting his
successor is caused mainly by the intensity of their relationship with WS
himself.  Tough act to follow.

In short, highly recommended reading for anyone remotely interested in the
Philadelphians.

Robin Mitchell-Boyask
Temple University
Philadelphia PA 19122