Pondering the mysteries of the “standard repertoire.” Is it a matter of quality? Why do good composers like Dukas or Orff or Mussorgsky have one of two pieces that are performed but nothing else? – Philadelphia Inquirer
Month: February 2000
CYBERORCH
The Dallas Symphony will hit the web playing. Orchestra to webcast performances in $10 million web initiative. – Dallas Morning News
DESIGN DEBACLE
Celebrated Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron were hired in 1998 to design the $70 million Blanton Museum at the University of Texas at Austin. But after drafting their ideas, the architects quickly realized that university regents had no interest in innovation – they wanted a grand design copied from the campus’ existing Mediterranean style. After several volleys, the architects abandoned the project and left town. A missed opportunity, lament critics. – Architecture Magazine
HOLOCAUST DENIAL TRIAL
British writer David Irving has instigated a libel suit against an American historian for calling him “one of the most dangerous spokespersons for Holocaust denial.” The trial, will almost inevitably be used by some to claim legitimacy for Holocaust “revisionism” — as if the Holocaust as a historical fact were open to debate. But let’s get the facts straight. – The Atlantic
ANY DOUBT —
— where publishing is going? None, if you’re paying attention to the headlines. A year ago e-publishing was little more than talk. But a glance at the publishing headlines of the past several months shows an industry racing towards its future. – *spark-online
ONCE UPON A TIME
Okay, so Tom Wolfe changed journalism. Nonetheless, when he starts lecturing about art, he’s tiresome. – Salon
STRANGE DAYS
Where did the contemporary novel come from, and where is it going? Five writers write about the future of fiction. – Village Voice Literary Supplement
A GOOD YEAR FOR BOOKS
Preliminary sales figures suggest 1999 was an excellent year for the book business, with sales increases registered by most publishing houses. – Publishers Weekly
NEOLOGICAL NOTHINGNESS
When “Seinfeld” went off the air two years ago, the media frenzied around the idea that – gasp – all along it had been a show about nothing, an existential sitcom. But to philosophers that nothing is quite meaningful. A Gen X philosophy prof explores relationships between serious philosophical ideas and the late television program in a new collection of essays by philosophy professors/hard-core Seinfeld fans. The fun includes “George’s Failed Quest for Happiness: An Aristotelian Analysis,” and “Kramer and Kierkegaard: Stages on Life’s Way.” – Lingua Franca
THE END OF VIDEO STORES
Movie piracy is rampant on the web. And not just old stuff, but movies that are currently in theaters. Get yourself some broadband and the quality rivals today’s VCR. For free. Tick, tick, tick… – CBC 02/01/00