American composer Steve Reich
Today’s Daily News Roundup is celebrating Bösendorfer pianos, welcoming a new contributor, and learning how to dress properly for concerts.
+ Read a review of three performances from the Lincoln Center Festival that featured maverick-turned-music-hero Steve Reich.
+ The Guardian’s Juanjo Mena explores the seduction of the Alhambra and Andalucían influences on Alberto Ginastera’s works.
+ La Scena Musicale’s newest contributor Andrew Burn asks if it is a good time to be a cynic.
“When I am given the opportunity to speak in front of a group of musicians, I usually conduct an exercise or two. One of my most though-provoking involves asking all the participants to write down two rational reasons (or as close to as possible) why they should have a performing career. The only things which they are no allowed to write down are ‘I can’t imagine doing anything else,’ or ‘I love to do it.’ After 5 minutes or so, the participants reveal their reasons. The funny thing is, most of the time hardly anyone can think of something which they themselves believe is legitimate. It seemed that many of the people who I’d gone through this exercise with started on a path and never questioned why performing was important to them. Even years after the experiment, some have told me that they still haven’t come up with anything.”
+ This Day in Music – 1828: Ignaz Bösendorfer is granted a piano-making license.
+ George Benjamin, who wrote the opera Written on Skin, talks to the New York Times about his latest work, Dream of a Song, which has its American premiere at Tanglewood.
+ Video of the Day – Amarok Ensemble preview in advance of their performance at the Ottawa Chamberfest.
+ Musical Toronto clarifies the rules and expectations for concert dress.
