The day after the director of Novosibirsk’s opera house was fired over a controversial production of Tannhäuser, a top Kremlin official “proposed that theatrical productions be subject to ‘inspections’ before they are presented to the public. Though [he] did not use the word ‘censorship’ (which is explicitly prohibited by the Russian constitution), this would represent a return to the Soviet system of preliminary censorship, in which no work of literature, theatre, or film could appear without the approval of government censors.”
Author: Matthew Westphal
Electrified: Adventures In Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation (tDCS)
“A number of studies suggest that it may improve learning, vigilance, intelligence, and working memory, as well as relieve chronic pain and the symptoms of depression, fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s, and schizophrenia. However, the studies have been so small and heterogeneous that meta-analyses have failed to prove any conclusive effects.” Elif Batuman investigates – and tries on the electrodes.
Top Posts From AJBlogs 04.02.15
Ice Floes Meet and Part
AJBlog: Dancebeat Published 2015-04-02
Doris Duke Performing Artists and JJA Jazz Heroes: Tale of two honor rolls
AJBlog: Jazz Beyond Jazz Published 2015-04-02
So you want to see a show?
AJBlog: About Last Night Published 2015-04-02
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How Rome’s Santa Cecilia Orchestra Came Back To Thrilling Life
“As Italy’s unofficial national symphony for more than 100 years,” the orchestra of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia “has long commanded respect and attracted the finest conductors. And while it is regularly ranked among the world’s top orchestras, it has had its ups and downs, like most such groups.” Over the past ten years, things have been up, thanks to music director Antonio Pappano.
When Inspiration Won’t Strike: Six Choreographers Explain How They Get Their Groove Back
“Choreographer’s block. It’s the black cloud that all dancemakers – seasoned artists and green ones alike – experience at some point nearly every time they create. What separates the professionals from the novices is learning how to press on and not let it derail the work.”
Russian Artists Face A Choice: Censor Themselves, Or Else – But They’re Never Sure How
“Cultural figures in Russia today describe a climate of confusion and anxiety in which the law banning obscenities, as well as a 2013 law that criminalizes acts offending religious believers, are often ignored unless someone wants them applied.” Under the Soviets, said one publisher, “at least we knew the rules.”
Miriam Bienstock, 92, Co-Founder Of Atlantic Records
“One of very few women in the record business at the time, Ms. Bienstock earned a reputation not only for toughness – her son, Robert, acknowledged in a eulogy for his mother that many of the businessmen she dealt with called her ‘Dragon Lady’ – but also for efficiency and for the kind of shrewd rule-skirting that the record business of the day required.”
How Much Has Pierre Boulez Done For Music In His 90 Years? Wow …
“As a composer and theorist, he shaped the path of modernism in postwar Europe. As a conductor, he redefined concert programming. As an educator and administrator, he oversaw the creation of groundbreaking music facilities.”
Whitney Museum Contemplates A Bigger Future, With Bigger Expenses (And Admission Fees)
That new Renzo Piano building along the High Line is three times the size of the old Whitney, and 50% more expensive to operate.
Why Can’t Everyone Locate And Return Nazi-Looted Paintings As Quickly As The Dutch Royal Family Did?
“When the King and Queen read that Dutch museums had volunteered to be investigated, they felt it would be useful for someone to research their works.” So the commissioned a review of the royal collections at the end of 2013; it’s complete, and they’re returning one Old Master canvas promptly.