i went to the symphony to hear Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis and felt strangely impervious. Not exactly there, except for those heartbreaking beautiful violin solos, vocal solos, and the parts in between where most of the audience is coughing. which makes me think that the Missa is not my favorite format. There’s just too much for me to keep track of. Except for those enthralling solos. I also like how the huge choir formed into this wall of sound.

But actually my favorite part was when I arrived at the concert hall. I showed my ticket to the ticket-taker who informed/forewarned me that my seat was on the 6th floor and I could either take the elevator, or climb up 6 flights of stairs. When she saw my eyes were aimed at the stairwell, she gave me a pat on the shoulder as if to say “godspeed,” as if I were about to ascend Mount Everest dressed only in my pajamas.