With a sense of mystery, famed New York Philharmonic conductor Lorin Maazel opened Bruckner's 8th Symphony with a tremolo on the strings, then repeats that tremolo in forte during as the brass gloriously introduced the first major. theme. Amid the bright colors and astonishing acoustics of Disney Hall, the audience sat eagerly; many of the members present were familiar with Bruckner's pieces and the Wagnerian style. Sitting next to me, David Barry from the LA Philharmonic Board of Directors introduced me to the history of Disney Hall, the LA Philharmonic musicians, and Anton Bruckner. He quickly details the profiles of several prominent musicians, including that of the concert's only timpanist, then describes Wagner's special tubas quartet and the unique appearance of the harp amid the larger orchestra required in all of Bruckner's symphonies. . Since this was my first exposure to all things Wagner, I gained insight into Wagner's influence on Bruckner's Romantic style. The Wagnerian characteristics of the symptom...