Category: music

In the ’60s the Moog synthesizer was synonymous with electronic music. But for years Bob Moog hasn’t been able to put his name on his instruments (he sold it in the ’70s). Now he’s back with a new instrument he hopes will take on the market again. – Chicago Tribune

What was the top-grossing musical act in concert in 2000? Britney? N’Sync? Nope – it was 61-year-old Tina Turner, who took in $80 million on tour. – The Globe & Mail (Canada) (AP)

It costs more to buy a movie soundtrack recording than to see the movie. But sometimes the music is better than the movie. “There may have been a dearth of Oscar contenders this year, but there was no shortage of noteworthy soundtracks. Some were loaded with new hits, others more like mix-tapes of beloved oldies.” – National Post (Canada)

New internet music sites give classical music lovers the chance to attend concerts on demand without ever actually being there. – New York Times

The chairman of Opera Australia has suddenly resigned, leading to speculation about the decision. – The Age (Melbourne)

“The term ‘English Composer’ was for so long an oxymoron that even after a century of high achievement it retains something of the pejorative. Preface it with the adjective “lesser-known”, and a mighty wave of mediocrity arises from the musical unconscious – a wave of meadowy pleasantries, warm-ale songs dressed up as symphonies and contrapuntal correctness masquerading as creative inspiration.”-  The Telegraph (UK)

The music industry has always feared whatever was the latest technological advancement. “But instead of trying to burn down the bridge that now exists between users and musicians (and their labels), why not use that bridge to create, say, a list of all the people who loved the latest Dido album? Then you can talk with them when it comes time to sell her next one. What’s that worth? Well, let’s see: you can sell way more copies of her next album.” – Inside.com

“As record companies try to figure out how they can build businesses on file-swapping services, they need to think more about what people will use to listen to those swapped files. No one I know wants to center his own music-listening habits around a computer.” – The Standard

The New York Philharmonic search for a new music director drags on – indeed, the orchestra seems further away from making a decision than it was a few months ago. “I think everybody would like to get the thing over and done with. But at the same time there is a very strong sense that we have to do it right. And there are different ideas of what `doing it right’ is.” – New York Times

Plans for Carnegie Hall’s future are uncertain in the wake of the resignation of its director. For months long-time tenants of the hall have been having difficulty booking future dates, and it’s difficult to know what the concert hall’s policies will be. – New York Times