William Boletta wrote:

>I am visiting New York City, and attended a performance of the NYC Opera's
>current production of Madama Butterfly. ... I was astonished to see two of
>the three trumpet players and two of the three trombonists as well reading
>books, newspapers and magazazines during their rests. ... One trombonist
>(who I could swear was reading TIME) almost missed his entrances several
>times.  ...

It's interesting you mention this.  When I listen to a Met broadcast on
Saturday afternoon, I usually get the impression that the brass section
is the weakest in the Met orchestra.  Am I the only one who noticed this?

Paul MacKay
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