Read what Mr. Farkas has to say at the Seattle Opera blog. (Gee, I wonder if Opera San José would consider a blog?!) He talks about more than Tristan & Isolde: The English horn solo from Wagner’s Siegfried is one that quickly comes to mind, because we played it last summer, and it is perhaps [...]
Archive of posts filed under the Other People’s Words category.
Yes.
Honestly, if I had to choose to listen to only one genre of music for the rest of my life, I’d pick classical. It embraces multitudes and goes places no other genre does. But I don’t have to pick, and so I get to love go-go, hip-hop, jazz, funk, soul, and any other music that [...]
Spam Comment? Real?
When someone comments for the first time here I have to approve the comment. Sometimes I first send an email to the commenter, because I suspect the comment is actually spam. Sometimes I can see it’s clearly legit. Other times I just don’t know, but when I don’t know it’s most frequently spam. This one [...]
Something To Think About
I recently read a comment on Facebook that made it very clear the person couldn’t stand the conductor she was working with. It’s not surprising that a musician doesn’t like a conductor. That’s pretty common! It’s not unusual for someone to talk about it either. That’s not exactly wise, but if someone tattles on the [...]
Alex Ross’s Conclusion
Classical music younger, hipper than late-night TV Yep. That’s what he says. And I loved his book, so I know this must be true. (Yes, that’s how my mind works!) RTWT
Please Read
Now, after 500 performances, our producers have told us and our union that in order to cut costs they will chop our string section in half, releasing five musicians and “replacing” them with a synthesizer piped in from another room. I don’t think Lenny would have approved. RTWT
Fun Advice
Chloe Veltman, of Lies Like Truth has a fun post up about the community groups she sometimes plays in (she plays oboe). Here is a snippet: The musicians in one group in Oakland with which I sometimes play, have at least a sense of self awareness about their lack of diligence at the expense of [...]
Mahler Can Do That!
I know Dan can relate to this (“TH is Thomas Hampson): Q: Is it true that you first discovered Mahler’s music on a car stereo? TH: Yes. I was young – probably 19 or 20 – I discovered Mahler while listening to a cassette recording of his First Symphony that I had checked out from [...]
His Heart Is In The Right Place
You could easily fault him for those qualities, but in interviews Sting has made it clear that he is aware of his shortcomings. And he has discussed Dowland’s songs, and other classical works, with a passion that shows that his heart is in the right place: he loves this music and wants people to hear [...]
Jason Robert Brown & Copyright
Jason Robert Brown had an exchange with a teen about copyright issues and taking his music for free. With her permission he posted the exchanges they had. I think everyone who “borrows” or “trades” music should read it. I doubt it’ll change the minds of every thief … um … I mean trader … but [...]
Yep, Music Is Good For Your Brain. But …
If we start valuing music only for its advantageous cognitive side-effects – as a kind of multivitamin for the brain – and not because it cultivates our humanity, we’ll have forfeited its soul. That is from this article which talks about how music is good for your brain.
Your Thoughts?
Opera Chic’s take on the whole mess? If you don’t feel like putting on a show because you’re protesting for what you perceive as your inalienable workers rights, stay home. Strike. And let the opera house cancel the show, refund the ticket buyers (Platea and front-row Palchi tickets for la Scala, will set you back [...]
“Anna-isms”
Ah, Ms. Netrebko: On conductors “There are two types of conductors. One is the good conductor who can do passionate music, but also listen to the singers and do the orchestra. And then there are great conductors, who have their own opinion on the music, who are ruling everything – and not listening much to [...]
Another Rebuttal
It seems that those who call for the end of classical music, or at the very least are saying that it is too elitist are actually being elitist themselves. They are calling orginizations with very poorly paid musicians unnecessary, when millions is spent on sports which are equally or less important culturally. Perfection does not [...]
Thank you, Mr. Stabler
Hearing and watching the “Resurrection” unfold in the presence of an enormous orchestra, a large choir, vocal soloists and seatmates all around me makes the listening experience immediate and communal. I am caught up in the music differently from how I get caught up with music on headphones. In the concert hall, I witness the [...]