The Opera Tattler

* Notes * 
Ton Koopman is conducting San Francisco Symphony this week in a program of J.S. Bach, Haydn, C.P.E. Bach, and Schubert. Last night’s performance began with J.S. Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 3. The playing was stately and vigorous. One of the trumpets might have had a single bad note, but otherwise the playing was clean. The orchestra maintained a refined sound for Haydn Cello Concerto No. 2. In comparison, soloist Mario Brunello (pictured above) was sloppy, his instrument buzzed and jarred at times. Yet he pulled it off, his personality and warmth shone through. Brunello clearly listened to the other musicians and was playing with them. In any case, it was not a boring performance. C.P.E. Bach’s Symphony in G Major was lively and Schubert’s Symphony No. 5 in B-flat major was light and sweet. Maestro Koopman made many sweeping gestures and was able to find good contrasts in tempi.

* Tattling * 
The audience on the orchestra level spoke aloud a few times, but on the whole was fairly silent. The lady in K 107 wore a most dashing fake mustache.