We had an impromptu chance to take in the Houston Symphony's performance of Anton Bruckner's Eighth Symphony this afternoon.
I recall listening to a few Bruckner recordings back in high school (thanks to my local public library's eclectic record collection), but really don't know his music at all. So today's performance, led by thoughtful conductor Hans Graf, was revelatory. The third movement, a lengthy Adagio, was particularly moving.
The orchestra, which included tubas and three harps, played with verve and intensity, and the audience responded with enthusiasm. Well done.
UPDATE: For a more educated take on things, here's Charles Ward in Monday's Houston Chronicle on the Friday night performance.
Posted by Alan at January 14, 2007 06:19 PM