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Comment on Concert review: Toronto Symphony Orchestra fails to transcend minutiae in Brahms German Requiem by jeberkman

jeberkman — Thu, 23 May 2013 22:32:41 +0000

I think you nailed my thoughts on this concert. I wish there had been surtitles for the Neruda poetry because I couldn’t take my eyes off Finley’s expressive singing to peer at the translation in my program insert!

Comment on Keyboard Thursday album review: Vladimir Ashkenazy wraps up project to record all Rachmaninov piano music by simon davis

simon davis — Thu, 23 May 2013 16:20:18 +0000

I have listened to this disc a few times in the car. A few tracks such as the Fugue and Piece in A flat are not interesting. However, some of them really are beautiful little gems – both the melodies and the Barcarolle spring to mind. They are not easy to play and embryonic in the sense that they point towards the mature Rachmaninov.

I haven’t found Ashkenazy hard edged myself. He seems in fine form, and his artistry is actually very subtle – no blindingly obvious rubato or twisting of the melodic line. The pieces “unfold” without mannerism and his pianism is still very much top notch – listen to the delicacy of the Barcarolle where he captures the melancholy in the left hand with fast pianissimo ripples in the treble, sounding like running water. The Humoreske has some real virtuoso moments pulled off brilliantly without strain and the technically awkward Mazurka is perfectly judged. The control and range of colour is amazing and really drew me in.

Comment on How come classical audiences don’t get to take home a piece of what they experienced? by Kieren MacMillan

Kieren MacMillan — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:48:21 +0000

You are correct that “the real treasure lies in our memory”. The logical fallacy comes in the subsequent observation: “memory plays tricks on even the finest minds” is not a refutation of your original intuition, but a reinforcement of its truth and beauty.

Comment on We worry too much about liking classical music by Alex

Alex — Wed, 22 May 2013 05:16:08 +0000

What a beautiful poem….

Comment on Get them while they’re young works for music as well as addictions and gangs by Lucas

Lucas — Wed, 22 May 2013 05:11:08 +0000

Thanks John, this is a truly inspirational story about how to lay the foundations of a civilised society without having to plug in to corporate and government agendas.We need more Moshe Hammer’s in our world!

Comment on Fine Eurocentric watching and listening for a holiday-weekend Sunday by Tom

Tom — Wed, 22 May 2013 05:03:45 +0000

Yes, I agree – when therre is a total harmony between singer and musician, as in this case, the performance becomes sublime!

Comment on How come classical audiences don’t get to take home a piece of what they experienced? by Jasmin

Jasmin — Wed, 22 May 2013 04:13:08 +0000

Sounds like a great idea; and with that amazing concert hall, who could resist!

Comment on How come classical audiences don’t get to take home a piece of what they experienced? by Catherine McClelland (@CBCctm)

Catherine McClelland (@CBCctm) — Tue, 21 May 2013 21:30:54 +0000

Sang in the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus for Lord of the Rings movie last weekend. You could certainly tell it was a different crowd from the number of flash photos that were taken before the show and at intermission. I have no problem with that. I think your suggestions are good ones.

Comment on How come classical audiences don’t get to take home a piece of what they experienced? by Ian

Ian — Tue, 21 May 2013 20:49:11 +0000

Aren’t we forgetting the musicians’ unions? As a composer having a symphony debuted I took some pictures at a rehearsal and was later informed I couldn’t use them because one of the players refused to have their image shared – and they were protected by the union rules.

Comment on How come classical audiences don’t get to take home a piece of what they experienced? by Chris Walroth

Chris Walroth — Tue, 21 May 2013 20:15:33 +0000

John, I like your compromise idea. I also recall reading recently that some concert hall and i don’t remember which one had a policy that personal photos cell phone cameras etc were ok “when the houselights are up” but photos were not ok once the houselights are down and the concert begins. Seems to me it is about both loosening the traditional restrictions placed on concert attendees and educating our audiences to appreciate the art form in the way that our more traditional patrons appreciate.