So, Mahler is done. Here is an excerpt of the review from the San Francisco Classical Voice.
The Many Moods of Mahler
By David Bratman
Brass in Fine Fettle
"Mahler's first movement gives a fairer chance for brass players to show their quality. The Redwood Symphony's brass, often its weakest section, put on a special effort here. The horns were full and fat, with few cracked notes and mostly on pitch, and the heavy brass also shone, especially in principal trombone(....)'s long solos. He stood up to deliver these, and they carried over any attempt by Mahler's orchestration to drown him out."
Yes, the solos were amazing. Some of the harder, fatter playing a trombone will ever do, and he nailed them. The whole section was just on. It's quite a pleasure to be able to play with these guys, with this caliber of musician, and to know that I actually fit in. I love it!
And I do like that, "heavy brass". I think I'll start using that.
Oh, and we also got the music for the next set. Messiaen's Turangalila Symphony. I guess Mahler's Third wasn't big enough....
The Many Moods of Mahler
By David Bratman
Brass in Fine Fettle
"Mahler's first movement gives a fairer chance for brass players to show their quality. The Redwood Symphony's brass, often its weakest section, put on a special effort here. The horns were full and fat, with few cracked notes and mostly on pitch, and the heavy brass also shone, especially in principal trombone(....)'s long solos. He stood up to deliver these, and they carried over any attempt by Mahler's orchestration to drown him out."
Yes, the solos were amazing. Some of the harder, fatter playing a trombone will ever do, and he nailed them. The whole section was just on. It's quite a pleasure to be able to play with these guys, with this caliber of musician, and to know that I actually fit in. I love it!
And I do like that, "heavy brass". I think I'll start using that.
Oh, and we also got the music for the next set. Messiaen's Turangalila Symphony. I guess Mahler's Third wasn't big enough....
stellaris:
heavy brass 
dmac:
Ha! Heavy brass.... you'd think a music critic would know that it's called "low brass". Although the term is rather endearing, I must say. Congrats on a job well done. I'm not familiar with your next literature but if it's tougher than Mahler, I guess I should say happy practicing, eh? BTW, I like the haircut -- looks great! Have you gotten used to it? Was it weird to shed the locks? I think I'm about ready to cut four inches off my own.