“'Charles Ives’ America' is very likely the most important film ever made about American music” – JoAnn Falletta, Music Director, The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra My forthcoming book, Dvorak’s Prophecy and the Vexed Fate of Black Classical Music (WW Norton, Nov. 25) links to six documentary films. Of these, “Charles Ives’ America” attempts a landmark feat of advocacy. … [Read more...] about Charles Ives’ America
Arts Myopia
Here's my piece in today's "American Purpose," Jeff Gedmin's daily online magazine which valuably charts a centrist position not only with regard to government and politics, but also pays due attention to the arts. The condition of the arts in the United States has never been more chaotic or confusing. The pandemic revealed – if such revelation was necessary – a general … [Read more...] about Arts Myopia
On the State of the Arts Today: An Emergency
Nicolas Bejarano Isaza is a young trumpeter, born in Colombia, living in LA. He specializes in new music. He also hosts a podcast: The Arts Salon. I had the pleasure of meeting Nicolas via the trombonist David Taylor, aptly described in the New York Times as a “killer” virtuoso. Nicolas is no killer – but his cultural base and depth of inquiry are exceptional among young … [Read more...] about On the State of the Arts Today: An Emergency
BURIED TREASURE: Farwell’s Forbidden “Hako” Quartet — Take Two
My most recent blog was yet another plea that the music of Arthur Farwell – America’s most important cancelled concert composer – become known. I posted the world premiere recording of Farwell’s amazing Hako String Quartet. In response, I have received an amazing comment from Curt Cacioppo. Since it’s buried in the comments section of my blog, I’m reposting it here so that it … [Read more...] about BURIED TREASURE: Farwell’s Forbidden “Hako” Quartet — Take Two
BURIED TREASURE: Arthur Farwell’s “Hako” — Will String Quartets Have the Courage to Perform It?
In the world of classical music, it sometimes happens that a major work lies dormant, undiscovered and unperformed, for a very long time. Consider the case of The Trojans, today known as a peak achievement in Romantic opera. Berlioz finished composing it in 1858. The first complete performance took place in 1890. Not until Colin Davis championed and recorded The … [Read more...] about BURIED TREASURE: Arthur Farwell’s “Hako” — Will String Quartets Have the Courage to Perform It?