But oddly, the fire was not there, even in the Kreutzer.
My pet peeve (you've heard this before): don't program the most intense piece for the end of the concert. Ears like mine get tired. Performers get tired. The juice runs out.
I think the second part of the first half is the key: it's when we're warmed up as listeners, and at our most attentive.
Frankly, I think recitals should be shorter, too: under two hours. We pay a lot to hear these performers, but we don't pay by the minute.
More thoughts from readers are welcome!
