Why hasn’t the Berlin Philharmonic not performed in Philadelphia since 1955? Well, there’s was that time that Ormandy snubbed Karajan, and…
Tag: 11.09.03
Down From The Gods – Rattle In Berlin
“The Berlin Philharmonic has enjoyed a unique succession of chief conductors who were more like gods than people – celestial, aloof beings who knew the secrets to transcendent music-making and could convey them (as did Herbert von Karajan) with eyes closed. Simon Rattle on his best days conducts like a god, but isn’t known to act like one.
Toni Morrison On Tour
Toni Morrison has published her eighth book. “Morrison’s intellect can be intimidating; it takes over her persona sometimes. This is the woman who, when Oprah Winfrey commented on her show that she had to read Morrison’s books more than once to totally understand them, replied, ‘It’s called reading’.”
Stolen Iraq Art Recovered In London
Some artifacts stolen from Iraq’s National Museum earlier this year have been recovered in London. “The men were arrested in connection with allegations of handling stolen goods – one of them was said to be a 76-year-old man. He is believed to be a British passport holder of Iranian descent. A stone sculpture found there, but stolen before the war, is thought by detectives to be worth between three and five million pounds. The frieze, showing sacred winged animals was taken from the ruins of a palace in the ancient city of Nimrud.”
Pittsburgh In Rome
The Pittsburgh Symphony will be the first US orchestra to perform at the Vatican. “The concert, featuring a performance of Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony, will recognise the interfaith efforts of Pope John Paul II, said the orchestra.”
Trying To Make A Go Of High Art In Las Vegas
The Guggenheim had to close its large gallery in Las Vegas. But the museum is importing its most ambitious show yet to its smaller remaining gallery in the bottom of the Venetian Hotel. “Thomas Krens, director of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, said he’s committed to Las Vegas. He said the museum would take a new strategy by reaching out to the community in an educational capacity. He has no intention of abandoning the Hermitage, which he claimed was the best small exhibition space in the world.”
Saatchi Fighting With Landlord
The Saatchi Gallery in London is in the middle of a feud with its landlord. After a sculpture was damaged by a vandal last week, the gallery is now moving some of its art out of the gallery. But the fight has gotten nasty…
When Familiarity Leads To Contempt
It’s not true that you can’t play a song too much. “It’s unclear when a tune crosses the line to become contemptibly over-familiar, but I always know the boundary has been crossed when I automatically start reaching for the radio dial or the remote control because it’s coming on again. ‘Oh, well. Another one retired.’ It’s never a great feeling when a song you once loved suddenly triggers indifference bordering on revulsion.”