@gehts4dSnippets? Apps? Visuals? Why classical music should stop trying to be pop | Classical music | The GuardianThis article discusses the challenges classical music faces in the modern world of short attention spans and digital media. It argues that classical music should not try to mimic pop culture trends but instead focus on its unique ability to demand and reward undivided attention. The article highlights innovative projects that successfully blend classical music with contemporary elements, emphasizing the importance of truly experiencing the music.
@gehts17dA night without Nessun Dorma: what does booing at the opera say about UK audiences? | Opera | The GuardianThis article discusses the recent trend of booing at opera performances in the UK, particularly focusing on a recent incident at the Royal Opera House where the absence of the famous aria Nessun Dorma led to audience dissatisfaction. The article explores the history of booing in opera, the changing dynamics of audience behavior, and the perspectives of various opera experts on the matter.
@gehts18dKnow the score? I don’t read music, but that’s no hindrance to reimagining great classical works | Classical music | The GuardianThis article from The Guardian explores how folk duo Pound & Stevens, despite not reading music, have transformed and added to Holst’s The Planets Suite and are touring the new work with Britten Sinfonia. Will Pound explains that playing by ear is his greatest strength and how this approach allows for a unique, personal interpretation of classical works.
@gehts19dPhilip Glass withdraws world premiere of his Lincoln symphony from Kennedy Center | Philip Glass | The GuardianUS composer Philip Glass has withdrawn the world premiere of his latest symphony at Washington DC’s John F Kennedy Center in protest of Donald Trump’s presidency. Glass stated that the values of the Kennedy Center today are in direct conflict with the message of the symphony.
@spjpgrd20dA wonderful listen (even for the winter months) // The Summer Portraits by Ludovico Einaudi
@gehts24dBach: Sonatas & Partitas album review – Capuçon brings warmth, restraint and reflection | Classical music | The GuardianRenaud Capuçon's Bach: Sonatas & Partitas album review in The Guardian highlights his elegant and persuasive performances, balancing modern tone with period style awareness. His interpretations are thoughtful, with a generous tone and tasteful restraint, effectively conveying Bach's fugal elements and dramatic moments.
@gehts25dMezzo-soprano Denyce Graves is performing for the last time, at the Met : NPRMezzo-soprano Denyce Graves is retiring from the stage after her final performance as Maria in the Gershwins' Porgy and Bess at the Metropolitan Opera. Graves, who has portrayed beloved heroines in the operatic canon, plans to focus on directing, teaching, and leading her foundation that supports young artists and African American artists.
@gehts25dNew York’s Met Opera announces ‘necessary’ layoffs and pay cuts | Opera | The GuardianNew York’s Metropolitan Opera has announced layoffs, pay cuts, and program reductions due to financial strain, including salary reductions of 4% to 15% for 35 executives and 22 layoffs among administrative staff. The cuts aim to reduce expenses by $15m this fiscal year and $25m next year, while the company awaits the implementation of a pending agreement with Saudi Arabia.
@gehts11dMake the orchestra great again? Not likely with JD Vance playing the cello | Music | The GuardianThis article critiques a satirical painting by Jon McNaughton that depicts Trump as a conductor of a MAGA-themed orchestra. The painting, which includes Trumpian figures such as Marco Rubio, JD Vance, and Tucker Carlson, is criticized for its misunderstanding of orchestras and conductors, and for promoting a problematic idea of absolute harmony and obedience in orchestras.
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