Christoph von Dohnanyi, the recently departed music director of the Cleveland Orchestra, was in Boston this week to conduct that city’s orchestra for the first time since he walked out on them in 1989. As it turns out, Dohnanyi has a lot to say about the music business: he insists the walkout was no big deal; says he enjoys “some” rap music greatly; and believes that classical music will revive in the U.S. when orchestras start hiring American music directors.
Tag: 11.21.02
Much More Than A Velvet Elvis (Isn’t It?)
Pat Sheil inherits a black velvet painting. So what’s the market? “The first thing we had to do was investigate the state of the black velvet art market. Initial inquiries were less than encouraging. The first valuer simply laughed, but at least he came straight to the point, without saying a word. The second fellow raised one eyebrow and assured us that there was nothing wrong with the frame.”
Mitchell Quits the Biz
Singer Joni Mitchell insists that her new album, Travelogue, will be her last. “Calling the music industry a ‘corrupt cesspool’, the Canadian rages that: ‘I’m quitting because the business made itself so repugnant to me. Record companies are not looking for talent. They’re looking for a look and a willingness to cooperate’.”