When I got in the car today, I was greeted by the "Hoffner" midstream
on the radio, and I was amazed by the perfection of the performance.
Everything - but everything - was exactly right, nothing could have been
done better, and yet it wasn't "too smooth" or cold:  it was just, well,
*perfection*.

I had a frustrating and exciting 15 minutes trying to figure out whose
performance it was, bringing up - and rejecting - conductor after
conductor.

Then the announcement:  Szell and Cleveland.  I wonder if we take him
for granted after all these years.  Nothing like a "blind test" to renew
respect and admiration for the Maestro.

Incidentally, I just came across the following fine advice to bassoons
concerning #35:

   "For clarity in the rapidly tongued passage in measure 26 (12 before
   A) hold down the B speaker key for A3 and G#3.  In measure 169 (13
   before E) set the whisper key lock.  Use the C speaker key for tongued
   A3, B3, and C4; use the D speaker key for D4.  For the rapidly tongued
   C#4-C#3-C#4 passage use..."

Next time I listen, I'll pay special attention if the bassoon is tongued
rapidly enough...:)

Janos Gereben/SF, CA
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