Playing For Keeps
Are there any miracles left in the modern world? Is the concept of musical genius – represented by flawless technique and effortless execution – nothing but a myth? Can our
Fantastic Music
I'm not sure if three performers rubbing Nivea Cream into their hands qualifies as music, but the bill for Saturday night's A Fantastic World Superimposed On Reality (part of Performa 09)
The (other) B.Q.E.
A Ballad of Accounting 2009: Composition for Cello and Brooklyn Queens Expressway, with Alex Waterman performing live cello to a film by Elizabeth Wendelbo. Part of yesterday's Performa 09 activities. (Presumably, Ms.
Music/Art
The biennal art festival known as Performa 09 wraps up with weekend in NYC, inlcuding a number of events devoted to experimental music. Last night, I saw the first of
Lunchtime Special
During the day, I work in downtown Manhattan, which is not exactly a place seething with culture, music or otherwise. Fortunately, Trinity Church offers a brief refuge from the rat
Brahms and Berlin
As you've probably noticed, I haven't been spending much in concert halls lately, preferring to pursue music of a whole other variety. But I made an exception this past week
String Theory
After listening to the Berlin Philharmonic play Schoenberg and Brahms for 2+ hours at Carnegie Hall last night, I was ready for a nightcap at Williamsburg's Glasslands, where Aussie transplants Miracles
In Their Bones
Is there any musical experience on this planet greater than hearing the Berlin Philharmonic perform the four symphonies of Johannes Brahms? In a word: No. (More to come.)