Music
1939 results
Page 167
Do happy musicians play better?
Do happy musicians play better? (A rejoinder to Dan Rottenberg)
Does it matter whether or not musicians”“ especially musicians in a classical orchestra”“ seem to be personally enjoying the music they're playing? Given a certain level of musical excellence, it's really a very simple question in the end.
Philadelphia Orchestra: The old vs. the new
The 'old' Orchestra and the new
Was the old Ormandy Orchestra of blessed memory superior to today's? The question is really irrelevant. I've found sublime experiences in both. Consider, for example, the contrast between William de Pasquale (old) and Yumi Kendall (new).
Articles
3 minute read
"Freeway Philharmonic': California's freelance musicians
The life of a freelance musician: California vs. Philadelphia
In 55 well-edited minutes, an insightful documentary captures the challenging life style of California's freelance classical musicians. Philadelphia freelancers— who constitute the backbone of a dozen local musical groups— will find here a reflection of their own unpredictable lives.
Articles
3 minute read
David Cohen: A one-man classical band
Yes we can (music dept.): A one-man classical band on a mission
David Cohen grew up in dire poverty in Philadelphia but made a career for himself, first as a pastry chef and then as a multi-talented musician. And at 47, he may just be getting started in promoting his twin passions: classical music and feeding the hungry.
Articles
6 minute read
The Crossing at Chestnut Hill Presbyterian
Taking chances at The Crossing
In its fourth year, The Crossing conveys a depth of vision and a commitment to innovative programming that many older, more-established choral ensembles would envy.
Articles
4 minute read
Unsung musical heroes: The entrepreneurs
The unsung folks behind the scenes: Let us now praise musical entrepreneurs
Performers and music lovers alike owe a debt to the unsung heroes of Philadelphia's cultural scene. This New Year, let's pause to toast the small but growing band of visionaries who create and maintain our musical organizations.
Articles
4 minute read
Two concerts in art galleries
Can music and pictures coexist?
Holding a concert in an art gallery is a risky business. The very different sensations of aural and visual stimuli compete for attention, often to the detriment of one and occasionally of both. Two recent concerts took this risk, yielding results that mostly honored their roots.
Articles
5 minute read
Orchestra 2001 plays Messiaen
Legacy of a cosmic romantic
Orchestra 2001 marks the 100th birthday of Olivier Messiaen with two pieces that capture the cosmic and deeply personal feelings behind his work.
Articles
3 minute read
In Praise of Christmas Carols
Beyond Muzak: A few kind words for Christmas music
This is the time of year when no one can escape Christmas music. Which may be a good thing, since they're beautifully written. A professional musician offers her guide to making the most, musically, of the holiday season.
Articles
4 minute read
Lucinda Williams and Bob Dylan
Lucinda Williams and Bob Dylan: Two trains running (in opposite directions)
I can't believe that the renowned perfectionist Lucinda Williams doesn't know, in her heart of hearts, that her latest album, “Little Honey,” is a mess. Bob Dylan's impact on our culture, on the other hand, continues to be as deep as Beethoven's or Shakespeare's.