I've missed living in Berkeley but on Monday evening, sitting in Prague, I got to get close to her again. And I thought I would simply burst with pride.

Some people nodded to the music, others had tears in their eyes. Some held hands and others looked knowingly at each other, as one sometimes does in a movie theater. I wished I could see the little bubble over each head with their thoughts.

It was as if a common spirit held everyone in thrall, and it was perfectly natural and fitting to breathe an interior, silent, communal "Amen," before erupting into the tumultuous, appreciative applause that such a magnificent and memorable performance deserved.

John-Mark Owen's Requiem must, I think, be viewed metaphorically -- as an almost Biblical battle between good and evil (shades of Cain and Abel), and between compassion and cruelty. And yes, an element of sadomasochism runs throughout the piece.