Mozart in the morning

Anne Sophie Mutter open rehearsal 11/18/2010

  My husband Brian took a classical music class this fall. I was lucky to be his date for his field trip.   Anne Mutter’s open rehearsal, with the NYC Philharmonic, was a cold but sunny morning and we took the train up to New York City at about 6:30. I have to admit, I was not ecstatic. Cold, Damp, Jersey morning. We arrived in Penn station and decided to walk up to Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln center amongst all the foot traffic of Manhattan.   The walk was brisk and in about 20 minutes we arrived at the front doors in nice timing to find our seats. In searching for the perfect seat we witnessed the older international crowd.   My husband even caught an older women as she yelped and nearly fell in an isle. (good lord)  The crowd showed up early and took up all the lower level seating so we climbed a few flights of steps and claimed our two seats on the upper level to the right of the stage. Good view.

    Right from the start,  I was completely amazed at the quality of sound that this concert hall and orchestra created. The clean and crisp sound was so shocking that I immediately began dreaming about these people onstage performing and how lucky they are to be musicians at this level, in this city and at this venue.  What a lifestyle and what a place to work with the best in the world at something you love.

    Anne came on stage at the beginning and started right in on the first piece, Violin concerto No. 3 in G major K.216.. This Mozart piece was completed September 12, 1775 in Salzburg.  The music danced around the room, kissing our ears for two hours. In which time we grew quite hungry so, onward to lunch! We found Juniors and were glad we did. Comfort food, a cozy booth and a warm atmosphere. Pickles, beets and coleslaw were  brought to the table as we ordered our meal. I had a tuna melt Brian had a blt and we shared onion rings. The portions were gigantic. I didn't want to bring my tuna melt back to Jersey with me on the train so, I did my best. Juniors is famous for their cheesecake. http://www.juniorscheesecake.com/  We decided not to get any though (next time) The service was fast and friendly. Great lunch! Back to hitting the pavement. We also stopped at Fao Swartz for a stuffed Yoda, and Dean and Deluca's for a coffee. We strolled through time square, got annoyed and made our way to the train. As usual Penn Station provided free entertainment as we waited for our train to arrive.

Every day in the City is a different day in the City. 'til we meet again-