Posted by Barry Guerrero on March 09, 2001 at 11:34:00:
Hi folks,
I had the great privelege (sp?) to hear the Chicago Symphony play the Bruckner 7th in Carnegie Hall under Barenboim last night. Let me tell you, their fabled brass out did themselves and everyone's expectations. Charlie Vernon and Gene Pokorny played like possessed madmen. In addition, the CSO may have the best Wagner Tuba playing anywhere. For those who care about such things, Barenboim had the first/second Violins divided left and right. The double basses were placed behind the first violins. What a bass section, as well. Barenboim conducts this piece fabulously, and he has a really fine recording of it, with the CSO on a DG "twofer" (two discs for the price of it), which comes with the fast and exciting Barenboim/CSO Bruckner 4th. FYI.
Barry "from S.F." Guerrero