Category: music

No surprise, perhaps. Scientists have been working on it…

The continent poses some serious challenges for the e-music business, including widespread piracy, relatively limited access to computers and broadband, and a lack of licensing infrastructure. Yet several enterprises, local and multinational, are giving it a go.

“The musicians want listeners to toss etiquette out the window. Not all etiquette. Don’t expect to stand on your chair and sing along. But you will be encouraged to take photos, tweet, text and clap anytime the spirit moves you. … Afterwards, you can even ask the musicians questions.”

“Tenor Bryan Hymel has been named the recipient of the eighth annual Beverly Sills Artist Award for young singers at the Metropolitan Opera. The $50,000 award, the largest of its kind in the United States, is designated for ‘extraordinarily gifted singers between the ages of 25 and 40’ who have already appeared in featured solo roles at the Met.”

“Limiting Bach performances to period instruments would be relegating his legacy to antique/museum status. When his music was performed in his day, it was on contemporary instruments of that time.”

It’s complicated.

“It would not be surprising for givebacks — that is, salary or benefit concessions from the musicians — to come up during those discussions. But orchestra members here have less to give than their counterparts in other cities.”

“Most often soloists rely on the generosity of a wealthy owner or foundation to lend them an instrument.”

“It’s really not about whether a certain piece of music has the “it” ingredient that will improve someone’s mental faculties. Rather, listening in and of itself improves those faculties, and it also does a whole lot much more–it makes us better people.”

“One might expect country music to be an embattled genre retreating to its Nashville redoubt, beaten back by Obama-name-dropping rappers and liberal rockers. But here’s the curious thing – the precise opposite is happening.”