I'm playing principal flute in Stravinsky's Firebird tonight. Usually when I'm about to play principal in a major piece, I get totally flipped out and don't enjoy myself at all. But today, I don't have the energy to even get nervous and so I'm thinking I might actually have fun. I feel completely comfortable with the part, despite my off-beat paranoia and hatred. Stravinsky might be a semi-cold composer, but I still love him, especially the Firebird era. I'm pretty damn lucky to get to play this part.
It'll be my last big part of the year, because on the next concert I'm just playing the concerto...which is fine by me. It'll give me more time, both because of less of a need to practice and also because of fewer rehearsals.
So, here we go...wish me luck. I'll put up a recording as soon as I can. It usually takes a few days since I have to steal a copy from the front office because I'm sure as hell not going to pay $10 to hear myself play.
