Day 253: Symphonic Sondheim

Lincoln Center. Avery Fisher Hall. New York Philharmonic with Paul Geminiani at the helm. All Sondheim evening with Nathan Lane as host. Need I say more?

Best line of the evening: "It took a while longer for Steve to reach acclaim as a composer [than as lyricist]. Let's just say people needed time to improve their humming skills."

Listening to this music without the distraction of lyrics and played by an orchestra the size and caliber of the New York Philharmonic was pure joy. My favorite was Dances from Pacific Overtures...such delicacy and beauty. Naturally, Sweeney Todd was brilliant...it lends itself so well to philharmonic-size orchestration. But Pacific Overtures held surprises and I liked that.

Oh, and for the initiated, Monsieur was in the house applauding vigorously, so I take it the wrist has healed well.

Gotta love it!