Slava!

[Stefano]

As principal I’ll be using a pixie + plunger on the solo bits. How about the other sections that just call for “mutes”? Anyone have experience with this piece?

[2bobone]

I played it to death when in the NSO and don't recall any specialized mutes that were used. Did it with Bernstein himself ! He must have had a bad day when he wrote it. Wait until you hear the amplified "politician's" voice section. I never understood a word of the gibberish, perhaps you might ! It's definitely not on my list of "Music For A Desert Island" !

[Dennis]

When I've done it, we used straights in the section. The principal used a harmon mute (Jo-Ral's version) for the solo bits. I'm not sure if she used the harmon at her request or the MD's request.