Don asks:

>>There is a way around the new directive - fewer instruments in the
>>orchestra.  Would that bother a Mahler enthusiast?

Mitch responds:

>In many cases, yes.  I would not like to imagine the beginning of the
>Third without eight, count 'em, eight, horns.  I've seen a 6th done with
>four harps and two celestas.  And how about that sixth trumpet part in
>the 6th?  Pity the poor player: he only plays in the finale but there's
>no unobtrusive way to get him on stage between movements.  He has to be
>there for three movements with absolutely nothing to do.

Same goes for the fourth trombone.

>On the other hand, if you have fewer players, maybe it's time for one
>of the song cycles.  Or the chamber versions of the Mahler symphonies.
>The Fourth and Das Lied have been converted, and I've heard of -- but
>not heard -- a 15-string version of the Adagio of the 10th.

And there's the Adagietto of the Fifth arranged for 6 (or is it 8)
trombones.

Roger Hecht