Lucky, this point in time and space

Last night I got last-minute tickets to hear the Chicago Symphony perform Mahler 1, along with Stucky's Rhapsodies for Orchestra and the Mozart bassoon concerto. It was the first time I've ever seen the CSO live, and it was FANTASTIC. I couldn't stop smiling the entire time.

A few observations:

- Charlie Vernon is LOUD. Like, absurdly, hilariously loud. I love it. The man is a legend, and I love it.

- Trumpet section was incredibly tight. The horns weren't perfect and Clevenger wasn't playing, but they nailed all the really big moments.

- I think that was the best string section I've ever heard. I don't even think the BSO strings made quite that impression on me during the years I "ushed" there, but this is all subjective. The friend who got me the tickets and accompanied me told me that the CSO strings have been criticized when compared to European orchestras, but, I mean, who isn't criticized when compared to the Berlin Phil?

- Although at times the performance was a bit more careful and restrained than I usually like my Mahler, I have to say that the third movement was the best I've ever heard, live or recorded.

- I have got to start playing horn again.

December is Mahler Month at the CSO. They are doing the 6th in a couple of weeks. I'm so there.