Yes, there are few experiences like a well-done Mahler symphony to remind us the life can indeed be beautiful, even heroic. (Some of the psalms come in handy in this regard too.) To steel a phrase that Robert Bly kicked into circulation a few years ago this reviewer seems to have lost his golden ball (e.g., joy of life) some time ago. Pity. Aaron J. Rabushka [log in to unmask] http://www.cowtown.net/users/arabushk/