Awfully Nice of You to Say

Emanuel Ax has posted some lovely words about Esa-Pekka Salonen on his blog, the creatively named Emanuel Ax's Official Blog.  The praise is offered in Mr. Ax's inimitable spirit of gentility, which is as readily apparent in his non-musical conduct as it is in his playing, and is a welcome change of pace from the snarling, bird-flipping character showcased by some other music notables, who shall of course remain nameless.  Ax will be in Saratoga this summer, where he'll be performing with Yo-Yo Ma and a fellow former Montrealer, Charles Dutoit at the Saratoga Chamber Music Festival.  He'll also be tripping through the maze at Tanglewood, which will see him appear no fewer than three times, including two performances with Ma, violinist Colin Jacobsen, and the Mark Morris Dance Group.  Good luck getting tickets for that!  Ah, Tanglewood...is there a finer spot on earth?