Martin Bernheimer writes that Tobias Picker’s “American Tragedy” gets a good production at the Met. But “Picker’s score is undeniably crafty, also cautious and well-mannered to a fault. It deals knowingly in second-hand operatic devices, cranking out good mood music and gutsy cliches at every turn. There are no surprises here, no shocks, and very few dissonances. The first-nighters seemed grateful. An American Tragedy may be the perfect modern opera for people who hate modern opera.”
Tag: 12.05.05
Pinter In Hospital
Playwright Harold Pinter, who had canceled going to his Nobel ceremony this week, has been taken to a London hsopital. “Pinter, who was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in December 2002, was born in Hackney, east London.”
English National Opera’s Doldrums
“Those looking for proof of Robert Conquest’s maxim that any major institution always seems to be run by secret agents employed by its enemies need only examine ENO’s recent history. What next for the house? Well, come back after your interval G and T for more in this unmistakable vein of grand guignol. All this is very well and good, but it’s obviously impacting on the artistic achievements of the house. For a long time now, it’s been incredibly patchy.”
Peru Makes Claim On Yale Artifacts
Peru is threatening to sue Yale University, demanding return of artifacts from Machu Picchu. “Peru has notified [Yale’s president] Richard Levin that a lawsuit is prepared if its rights to the archaeological pieces are not recognised,” the Peruvian foreign ministry said in a statement.
Art Basel Miami’s Gold Rush Business
The world’s largest art fair does great business. But many collectors who swept in on the first day and reserved art, later canceled. “Last year we had more South Americans and Europeans. This year there were more Americans and institutions.”