Archive for the ‘General’ Category

James Levine Out For 3 Weeks

Lost In Sea of Get Well Soon Cards

by: Colin Oettle

James Levine
James Levine, Music Director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Metropolitan Opera, was set to conduct the opening concert at Carnegie Hall this season. However, he will not be seen on a podium for the next three weeks, as Maestro Levine will soon undergo back surgery to repair a herniated disk.

Although Levine will miss some high profile performances, such as the first performance of Tosca with The Met, the operation comes at a time when Mr. Levine had already canceled performances due to extreme back pain. According to his doctors, having the surgery will prevent further damage and hopefully allow him to return to his assorted posts quickly and with renewed vigor. Source: NY Times Music.

Alicia De Larrocha Passes Away at 86

by: Colin Oettle

Alicia De Larrocha
Alicia De Larrocha passed away on Friday, leaving behind her two children and an enduring legacy as one of the greatest pianists of her time. Known for her expressive playing and mastery of Spanish music, De Larrocha enjoyed a lengthy career, retiring in 2003 at age 80. There is a charming obituary at the BBC here.

Alan Gilbert Opens NY Phil on Wednesday

New York Times is Skeptical

by: Colin Oettle

Alan Gilbert
On Wednesday night, conductor Alan Gilbert will put on his music director’s shoes as he takes the podium in Avery Fisher Hall—a step up which marks a new era in the New York Philharmonic. The maestro will lead a performance of Mahler’s third symphony EXPO by Magnus Lindberg, Songs Pour Mi by Oliver Messiaen, and Berlioz’s Symphony Fantastique. While great expectations lie on Mr. Gilbert’s baton, one hopes the orchestra will take the opportunity to embrace its new leader, a fresh outlook, and renewed vigor.

Here is a great interview with Gilbert by Martin Steinberg (AP).

WQXR Moves to 105.9 on October 8

by: Colin Oettle

With Live Broadcast at 8pm

wqxrmoves
WQXR, New York’s classical station, announced that its move from 96.3FM to 105.9FM will take place on October 8th, 2009 at 8:00PM EST. This frequency transplant comes as part of an FCC-approved three-way deal between New York Times Co., Univision, and WNYC—the nation’s largest public radio station. After 65 years of ownership, NYT Co. sold WQXR’s rights and namesake to WNYC, and the station’s spot at 96.3FM to Univision.

The new WQXR will launch with a live broadcast from Carnegie Hall on October 8th at 8pm. The performance by the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra will feature the world premier of Concerto With Echoes by Aaron Jay Kernis, as well as works by Stravinsky, Webern, and Beethoven’s Violin Concerto played by Janine Jansen. The performance will be simulcast on 93.9FM, another station owned by WNYC.

WQXR will remain a 24/7 classical music station, but is to become fully listener-supported. The initial purchase is being supported by The Campaign to Preserve Classical Music Radio in New York City—a $15 million campaign co-chaired by Emanuel Ax. So far, the campaign has raised $7.2 million.

Click for the official WNYC press release.

Man Transcribes Bird Composition

by: Colin Oettle

Musical, not Corporal

birdvid
While reading a newspaper, Jarbas Agnelli noticed a similarity between music staves and a photo of birds perched on power lines. Curious to see what the “notes” would sound like, Agnelli created a piece of music based on his observation.

Of course, the notes were instead birds who had perched on five evenly spaced power lines. He has since created a video, and set his music to the photo that initially inspired the transcription. Click to the full article to see the video. View Full Article »

Ax, Schiff, Others Opine On Beethoven’s 32 Piano Sonatas

by: Colin Oettle

Admit They Haven’t Played Them All

beethoven
Carnegie Hall Sound Insights has collaborated with seven professional pianists to provide an in depth look at Beethoven’s 32 piano sonatas. This collection of sonatas is one of Beethoven’s most significant accomplishments, and the artists’ expertise gives listeners of all levels an excellent understanding of the way the sonatas trace different periods in Beethoven’s life. With separate analyses for the early, middle, and late sonatas, the media clips include podcast-like talks as well as excerpts of professional recordings. Click on through for the original article and a list of all the contributing artists.
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French Record Label to Record Unpublished Vivaldi Works

by: Colin Oettle

All 450 Of Them

Vivialdi
The French record label Naïve is undertaking a project to record 450 unpublished compositions by well known Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi. As reported by New York Times Music, the project is administrated by American musician Susan Orlando, who commented that despite economic hardship, the project is expected to continue through 2015. Upon completion, the entirety of Vivaldi’s musical legacy will be preserved on a 100 CD set available from Naïve. For extensive information regarding the project, and a professional’s take on the beauty of Vivaldi’s music, check out the article at the Times

Article of Interest: Pre-season Construction at the Met

by: Colin Oettle

Season Lineup Looks Promising

New York Times Music has a very detailed and interesting article about the off-season construction taking place at the Metropolitan Opera. Check out the article, or click the link for a quick list of some of the upcoming Met rep.
View Full Article »

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