Mahler's 5th Symphony

The San Francisco Symphony Orchestra performed Mahler's 5th yesterday, Michael Tilson Thomas conducting. The orchestra started a Mahler cycle in 2001 and has previously performed and recorded seven of the other Mahler symphonies.

I am not a Mahler expert, but I can not imagine how this could have been better. The orchestra performed with exceptional clarity and transparency. The brass section was outstanding. Even Joshua Koshman, the critic for the Chronicle, raved over this production. We are lucky to be living in San Francisco in what will probably be regarded later as a golden age for the symphony.

The day ended with a small plate dinner with our friends the Reids at Chez Nous on Fillmore St. Fish soup, heirloom tomato salad, and tuna tatare. Washed down with a couple of bottles of Vernaccia di San Giminignano. Simple but elegant.