For the record, I do not get paid to write this blog. The guy who runs this website is way too cheap for that. So occasionally I have to concentrate on my real job for a while. That does not mean I haven’t been thinking…
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Binds that Untie and maybe Unite – Detroit is onto something!
My favorite ever library typo was when Purcell’s Gordion Knot Untied was listed as Gordion Knot UNITED. How easy is it to make that mistake? Seriously though it might be that easy to conceptualize that by agreeing to something that is binding might indeed unbind an acrimonious situation. What the DSO musicians are proposing proves once again that artists by nature are creative and are also the greatest of problem solvers, and whatever happens kudos should be given for creativity, bravery and at least a plan!
Bernstein – An Appreciation
The most overused word in the orchestra business is “masterpiece.” We throw it around so often that it has long since lost all meaning, and now most often serves as a code for “we promise you won’t be offended by this piece.” That having been said …
And You May Ask Yourself – How Did We Get Here?
It’s D-day. Not in Egypt, nor Bahrain, or Tunisia. It’s D-day in Detroit, and I, for one, am not optimistic.
O Little Town of Bloomington…
I need to get out of the house more. That may sound funny coming from a guy who travels for a living, but when I’m home I turn into a real home-body. Which is how I found myself grinning outrageously at some Sondheim.
Converting the Converted part 1….
I am enjoying a back and forth with Geraldine regarding the role of the new Music Director from my November 11 New Conductor Smell post. I did not enjoy reading however of what is breaking with the Syracuse Symphony with whom I am working this week. I have many friends in the group, they are phenomenal and I so enjoy being here, it never feels like work. I guess I’m an insider but rather than dwell on the specifics of the situation, I want to riff on where I think in general we could make some inroads….this Sunday we perform in a Cathedral….
KILL THE NEA (Redux)!!!
A couple of months ago I wrote a post titled “Kill the NEA.” To my surprise that garnered a lot of attention, though in retrospect perhaps I shouldn’t be so naïve about the power of the internet (please rf. Tunisia). Now that some of the political establishment are hellbent on following my advice I’ve got a better idea. And I suspect that they aren’t going to like it at all.
Auld Lang Syne…
A few wishes for 2011…