Before the talk began there was chatter about how a falling football damaged the principal bassoonist’s bassoon during the evening’s performance.

I just read this. Over at The Opera Tattler. Which makes me wonder who was playing principal bassoon. (DK, do you know? JA?)

Oh dear … this is not good. Not good at all. We have a mesh screen above the pit, which should catch falling items. I still get the occasional feather or whatnot, but we’ve not had anything large fall into the pit for years.

06. November 2008 · Comments Off on Dr. Atomic · Categories: Links, Opera

I’ve not read entirely positive things about the Met’s production of Dr. Atomic, but we know we shouldn’t just take reviews as gospel truth, right?

Here you can find the link for the showing at Santana Row. It’s this Saturday, at 10:00 AM. Yeah. Nice and early. If you get to the French bakery first you can find some pretty yummy pastries.

06. November 2008 · Comments Off on BQOD · Categories: BQOD

There are several varieties and sizes designed for the size of the mouth of the person using them and single and double reed, to immolate the maturity and sex of the bird, but the double reed is harder to use and master.

Ya gotta love the “immolate” error too. 😉

But yes, double reeds are harder to use and master. Duh.

06. November 2008 · Comments Off on MQOD · Categories: Quotes

Classical music is a cinematic experience for the imagination. It just carries you along. It provokes your emotional responses, and with those come mental reveries, images and thoughts that you can delight in.

At one time, classical music was the privilege of the very few, for the rich and the blue bloods. But now, this being a democracy, it is really the heritage of all people, and I think the Castellano family (co-presenter of Saturday’s event) really want to say to the Latino community, “This music is as much yours as anyone’s. We’re not only about the mariachi.”

I love the mariachi. But there are also Mexican composers, including Carlos Chavez, who have brought the Mexican experience to classical music. Chavez knew Copland, did you know? I just think classical music is one of the treasures of the human race. Let’s spread it. Let’s give it out.

-Luis Valdez

I read it here.