[Marileangorifurnimaluim]

Thanks, Kalla, you're welcome. No, I'm well aware there a lot of composers who don't lean on the strings to carry the melody. Any woodwind who complains about not having the melody should repeat to themselves three little words: Rhapsody in Blue. <P>But, those that do still outnumber the ones that don't, the more modern composers tending to be the ones that share the melody about. <P>I'm afraid my joke/gentle dig at violins was misunderstood, and taken as nasty comment rather than the wink it was intended to be. Every orchestra I've played in has been very close, and we could complain without it being taken personally. We could take it -<P>"here comes the woodwind Horde.." <P>..as well as dish it out - <P>"melody? What melody?" <BR>"Excuse me, if we're going to play Beethoven, can we put the brass section in the next room?"<P>I loved rehersal, the first awkward run-through, the process of a piece coming together, the brilliant individual performances as the music became our own.. as well as the comments, teasing, jokes and playfulness.. even more than the actual performance.<P>My favorite was Stravinski, especially Danse Infernale. The melody was a puzzle, scattered throughout the orchestra. I think you missed my earlier post about pulling one oar in an ocean of sound. I've done choral pieces, and play woodwinds (including recorders), piano and brass, though I don't have a very good lip.. alas, I so wanted to play French Horn..