This week the Philadelphia Orchestra is performing the complete Ma Vlast
with an intermission.  I'm trying to figure out whether this is normal,
or an attempt to disguise how pathetically short the program is.  The only
time I've heard the piece in concert was with the Czech Phil.  on tour,
without intermission.  Given that the union requirements of the PO and
Academy personnel conspire to produce the shortest programs in the US,
I suspect the intermission is for the reason I mention above.  Or a
concession to Sawallisch's age? He DID seem pretty perky today, so I'm
discounting that excuse.

Robin Mitchell-Boyask
Temple University
Philadelphia PA 19122