The decline in orchestral performance continues apace. A specimen: The main theme of the sublime pas de deux from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker is a descending G major scale introduced by the cellos, then repeated in response by the first violins. I recently heard a performance by an American orchestra whose principal cellist is venerable. His section took ownership of … [Read more...] about The World’s Greatest Orchestra — Its Significance Then and Now
The Boston Symphony’s Castigated Blueprint Makes Sense
Today’s online “Arts Fuse” carries a piece of mine commenting yet again on the Boston Symphony firestorm, which pits enraged musicians against the management and board – and turns Andris Nelsons, the outgoing music director, in a martyr. Excerpts follow. The read the whole thing, click here. A 14-page “State of the Boston Symphony Orchestra” manifesto, dated April 17, 2026 … [Read more...] about The Boston Symphony’s Castigated Blueprint Makes Sense
“Are We Rotting Our Brains? Is This the End of Classical Music?”
I know the conductor Thomas Fortner, now based in Berlin, from his years as assistant conductor of the remarkable South Dakota Symphony. Thomas recently posted a 70-minute podcast posing earnest questions about the state of classical music. Excerpts follow. JH (1:55): People are not attentive to the arts. People don’t talk about the arts. And I think my understanding … [Read more...] about “Are We Rotting Our Brains? Is This the End of Classical Music?”
“Pre-Eminent among the American Newspaper Critics of his Generation”
My review of “Defending Music: Michael Steinberg at the ‘Boston Globe’ -- 1964-1976” (Oxford University Press) is today published online by “The American Scholar.” The kicker, at the end, reads: “Michael Steinberg was never intended to make a career writing concert reviews. He was ever courageously drawn to what would do the most good.” You can read the whole thing here. … [Read more...] about “Pre-Eminent among the American Newspaper Critics of his Generation”
“The Marriage” – Enacting Gustav Mahler’s Demise and Alma’s Indecision
My play The Marriage: The Mahlers in New York was just premiered (as a work-in-progress) at the University of Michigan/Ann Arbor. It’s my good fortune to be working with a terrific actress and director: Esther van Zyl and Jack Tamburri. We next produce the play (this time with lighting design) at the Colorado Mahlerfest on May 14. To evoke the terminally ill composer, I have … [Read more...] about “The Marriage” – Enacting Gustav Mahler’s Demise and Alma’s Indecision