“The novel — over 2,400 pages in its standard English translation, twice as long as ‘War and Peace’ — is told in a mere two hours and 20 minutes. Hundreds of characters have been cut, leaving just eight main figures in the final show.”
Category: music
The Man Who Claimed The Brass Ring Of Directing The Royal Concertgebouw
“He assumes leadership of the orchestra — widely considered to be among the top five in the world — at a moment when it is at its musical apex but facing real fund-raising challenges.”
The Widespread Influence Of Jazz Musician And Teacher Connie Crothers
“A lesson would often begin with a conversation about anything from musical to personal to political to philosophical. Two chairs were set, just a bit away from the piano. She’d sit on the one closer to the piano, the student would be closer to the stereo. I’d often put a CD into it with the track I’d be singing for her.”
On The Final Night Of the BBC Proms, Pro-European Union Campaigners Hand Out Thousands Of EU Flags
“In a statement, the organisers, who want to remain anonymous, said: ‘Music doesn’t recognise borders, religion, gender, age, status or creed and most orchestras, shows and music schools rely heavily on talented musicians from inside and outside the EU.'”
Philadelphia Orchestra Contract Talks Continue Past Deadline
“We’re not very close at the moment, but are going to allow some time to let both parties figure out how to get close, and we are optimistic we can be closer in a couple of weeks.”
Comfy Chairs, Legroom, Lockers, And Glamour: A Wish List For The Revamp Of The New York Philharmonic’s Hall
Michael Cooper: “Of course they need to fix the acoustics. … But what about the little things that can make all the difference when it comes to creating a concert hall that people will fall in love with? The things that might not rise to the top of the to-do list when planning a mega-project that is expected to begin in 2019 and cost on the order of a half-billion dollars? As a frequent concertgoer, I have a few modest proposals.”
It’s Official: Fort Worth Symphony Musicians Are On Strike
“The musicians officially went on strike at 12:30 p.m. Thursday and symphony management subsequently canceled this weekend’s upcoming concerts … The strike, which was authorized by union members on Tuesday evening, comes one day after symphony management issued its ‘last, best and final offer,’ in contract talks. The offer was characterized by union leadership as the same proposal that musicians voted to reject on Sunday evening.”
The Glass Harmonica – An Instrument For Our Time?
It’s an unusual and quiet sound indeed, as anyone who has ever moved a finger around the ridge of a glass knows. But it’s apparently a sound that appeals to modern ears and composers.
Philadelphia Orchestra Musicians Call First Contract Offer ‘Regressive’
“Musicians of the Philadelphia Orchestra are negotiating to regain their place as among the highest-paid members of U.S. orchestras, while management has offered minimal raises in talks over a new contract.”
Lucerne Festival Remakes Itself Under New Leaders
“Behind the scenes, the Lucerne Festival, an increasingly important part of the classical music ecosystem, [has been] forced to reinvent itself. Within the past couple of years, the festival has lost not one, but both of its guiding artistic lights: [Claudio] Abbado died in 2014 at 80, and [Pierre] Boulez this year at 90.”