Cecilia Brauer was the Met pianist for many years. She was also Ray Gniewek's sister. She passed away this month shortly after her brother died. I first became aware of Cecilia during a 2007 LUCIA. Her glass armonica accompanied Lucia in the mad scene. If you ever had any doubt that Lucia was "bats in the belfry" you only had to listen to the eerie sound of this instrument. Not every conductor wants the glass armonica during this scene. I can't imagine the Mad Scene without it. Cecilia was very generous in sharing her knowledge of the instrument. Glass, water, large size... just imagine traveling with one of these.
To Cecilia thank you for the extraordinary lesson and huge pleasure. RIP.
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