1.   In the second movement, the instruments seem divided into groups and gradually adapt roles.

2.   At other times the instruments seem to counter or comment upon the vocal line, taking a single pitch from the singer and expanding it into a pungent cluster.

3.   On the surface, current instruments can seem as good as those of yore, or better.

4.   Some of the best musicians make instruments seem small in their hands.

5.   The instruments almost seem to assume the roles of the country characters who might play them.

6.   There was still the viola, of course, but no instrument would have seemed a less likely solo vehicle.