Alex Ross: “Other pianists of Levit’s generation may have achieved wider mass-market fame—Lang Lang and Yuja Wang come first to mind—but none have comparable stature as a cultural or even a political figure. In German-speaking countries, Levit is a familiar face not only to classical-music fans but also to a broader population that shares his leftist, internationalist world view. He has appeared on mainstream German TV shows; participated in political panel discussions; and attended the annual gathering of the Green Party.” – The New Yorker
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Zoom Etiquette: What Your Bookshelf Says About You
The bookshelf has become the background of choice on Zoom calls from home. These aren’t random choices. The books and objects on your shelves say things about you. And now the game of figuring out what you’re saying… – The New York Times (Video)
For 600 Years, The Buddha Was Never Depicted In Human Form. How Did He Get A Face?
“The story of how the image of Buddha finally broke forth into the world after 600 years of symbolism is one of the most intriguing in the history of art — one that is inextricably tied up with the advent of a new dynasty in India that, unconstrained by the conventions of the past, was able to set the image of the Buddha free into the world of men.” – T — The New York Times Style Magazine
Romeo + Juliet | Lockdown Theatre Club 9
Hester Lees-Jeffries explores what exactly makes Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of Shakespeare so striking (not least Catherine Martin’s design). – David Jays
The Daily Zoom Call Of New York’s Arts Leaders…
More than just a logistical feat, the phone call has become a singular measurement of how worried, desperate and vulnerable cultural organizations have become since the virus hit. And just as notable, how much they are actually acting these days like the “arts community” to which they often aspire. – The New York Times
The Hague’s New Art Court Nearly Septuples Its Pool Of Arbitrators And Mediators
“The specialist Court of Arbitration for Art … [was created in 2019] to adjudicate art world matters ranging from chain of title, authenticity and copyright fair use. Last year, the panel appointed around 30 specialists, with arbitrator experience, but this latest round of [170] appointments is more focused (although not exclusively) on qualified art lawyers.” – The Art Newspaper
It remains unclear when Broadway might reopen. Many industry officials believe it will be considerably later than Labor Day. The practical effect of Tuesday’s announcement is that box offices and authorized ticket sellers should now refund or exchange tickets for shows through Sept. 6. – The New York Times
How A Soap Opera Institution Is Returning To Shooting While Maintaining Social Distance
“They stand five feet apart, cannot hold hands, kiss or simulate a brawl, but the cast and crew of Neighbours — a long-running Australian soap opera that returned to production in late April amid coronavirus restrictions — still hope to convey the same heightened conflict, intimacy and drama that the show’s fans have come to love. … [The series] could set an important precedent for the global screen industry as it tries to figure out how a phased reintroduction to shooting television series and films might work.” – The New York Times
Wouldn’t It Be Great If We Could Study History Scientifically? (Doesn’t Work)
Science is evidence-based. History is evidence. So why can’t we apply scientific method to history? Because historical record is a very messy business. – Aeon
Isolation Multiplied: Artist Retreats In The Time Of COVID
“For many artists, writers and composers who have been rewarded prestigious residencies to isolate themselves in remote places and sometimes in punishing climates, it is a coveted situation. But if, as Matisse put it, ‘creativity takes courage,’ the extra isolation during a pandemic can start to wear away at even the most stoic artists.” – The New York Times