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Great comments, Jason. I'm enjoying your Axpona commentary. But I'd like to add one more variable to your comments on orchestral sound. I've probably heard the JSO 100 times in Jacoby Symphony Hall. Last night we had a guest conductor, Mei Ann Chen, and I have never heard that orchestra sound quite that way in all my experience. It was brighter and thinner sounding than I believe I've ever heard it. Under former music director Roger Nierenberg and current music director Fabio Mechetti, there has always been a warmth and richness to the full orchestral sound that was curiously missing last night (from my seat in the center of the hall, six rows behind yours). Of course, conductors do shape the sound of orchestras. I just thought it took longer than one concert engagement to do it!
By the way, if you get a chance to take the tour of the hall on Saturday, I think you'll find it interesting. (I.e., the giant bass traps under and behind the stage and the sound-absorbing draperies on the sides of the hall, which last night were raised for the first two works, but lowered for the Beethoven). Thanks for your reporting. I look forward to more of it.
-Bob