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Fri, 23 Jan 2004 12:44:19 -0500 |
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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
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