Vienna Phil

We went to the Vienna Philharmonic concert last week. Brahms Tragic Overture, Mozart Symphony No 34 and Bruckner Symphony No 4. It was a fabulous evening - very different orchestral sound from the Berlin Phil in last year's concert. The Vienna Phil is a more concentrated - almost 'old fashioned' sound - rich and vibrant - especially lively in the Mozart Symphony. The VPO has inherited a body of instrument types from the end of the 18th century and they have remained faithful to this sound type - which to my ears was very different to what I have heard previously. The VPO woodwind and brass instruments are constructed differently. The woodwinds have different reeds and the brass instruments have narrower bores and different valving. Generally the instruments are richer in overtones - the sound is brighter - especially I though the French Horns. The percussion instruments are different too. Their skins are goat parchment rather than artificial skin. The string instruments are no different from any other but each new member of the string sections is initiated into the special traditions of sound production, absorbing the secrets of the orchestra's special musical style. The members were mostly male with a few women - all caucasion with the exception of one oriental gentleman in the back desk of second violins. No Eastern influx here!