Rach 3

Yesterday afternoon was the weekly Aspen Festival Orchestra Concert, held at 4pm every Sunday. This week featured the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3, arguably his most famous work. Those of you who have seen the movie Shine (and even those who haven't) are aware of its prestige and almost haunting lure. It is one of my favorites, particularly to see performed live. The soloist was Vladimir Feltsman, who did an impressive job playing the entire 40 minute work from memory. As per usual, I could barely contain myself during the performance. As I looked around the audience I saw that I was not the only one tweaking out. There is something about this work that really grabs listeners, whether they be musicians or not - the excitement is nearly palpable. At the end, the crowd literally jumped to their feet and screamed. It was the first time since my being at the festival that a soloist was coerced into performing an encore (which, in my humble opinion, turned out to be a really stupid little piece). Once again, I was able to enjoy this experience free of charge as part of my being a festival student. Between the concerts, the people, and the composing, I keep fearing that I am going to suddenly wake up from a really fantastic dream. 

I should also report that I am now ass-deep in Jimmy Neutron. I have to say, writing the cue with a huge orchestra at my disposal is nothing short of a blast. It is really intense as we have to get the final scores in on Friday after having only begun to score the cue this past Saturday (right after our first cue was due). I find it utterly exhilarating. 

Finally, I thought you might like to know that a group of us were standing at the bus stop yesterday when randomly a MASSIVE deer (doe) casually walked by us all, crossed the street, and disappeared into the woods. And when I say massive, I mean like you could throw a saddle on its back and ride it home. Apparently the species of deer is known as "mule deer" and is clearly much different than the white-tail variety us northeasterners are accustomed to. Where does the fun end?