With a sense of mystery, acclaimed New York Philharmonic conductor Lorin Maazel opened Bruckner's Eighth Symphony with a tremolo on the strings and then repeats this tremolando forte while the brass carry the first major theme gloriously. Amidst the vibrant colors and amazing acoustics of Disney Hall, the audience sat in eager anticipation; many of the members present had experience with Bruckner's pieces and the Wagnerian style. Sitting next to me, David Barry of the LA Philharmonic board of directors gave me an introduction to the history of Disney Hall, the musicians of the LA Philharmonic, and Anton Bruckner. He quickly detailed profiles of several prominent musicians, including that of the only timpanist present at the concert, and then went on to describe Wagner's special tuba quartet and the unique appearance of the harp amidst the largest orchestra required in all Bruckner's symphonies. . Since this was my first exposure to anything Wagner-related, I was given insight into Wagner's influence on Bruckner's Romantic style. The Wagnerian characteristics of the sympo...