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How Alban Berg’s ‘Wozzeck’ Keeps On Shocking Its Audience, A Century On

“The music is thoroughly and smoothly integrated with the plot, representing opera in its purest ideal of form.” - The New York Times

Enrico Morricone Finally Gets His Opera Premiere

But sadly, he’s not here to see it. “Why the opera was not performed when it was written, in 1995, offers a snapshot of the classical music scene in Italy at the time, which snubbed Morricone as a mere composer of film soundtracks.” - The New York Times

Whether It’s TikTok Or Celebrity Book Groups Or Both, Some Books Turn Into Surprise Sleeper Hits

Sometimes it’s timing - or a good translation. Vincenzo Latronico’s Perfection didn’t find its audience in Italy, but English readers love it. It “has now sold more copies in specific London bookshops than in the whole of France.” - The Guardian (UK)

The Holiday Music Race In Britain Is So, So Serious

Sorry, it’s truly the Christmas music race. “There are 20 Christmas songs overall in the Top 40. But these classics will have new rivals for the Christmas No 1 next week, as a number of charity and novelty singles enter the race.” - The Guardian (UK)

Broadway Had Its Second-Highest Attendance In History Last Season

More than 14.7 million seats were filled in 2024-25, according to the latest audience-demographics report from The Broadway League.  Among other findings is that, yet again, the average ticket-buyer is a 41-year-old, college-educated woman whose household income is over $275K a year. - Deadline

Broadway Attendance From New York’s Suburbs Is Lowest In 30 Years

“According to data released ... on Wednesday, less than 13% of admissions in (2024-25) came from the surrounding New York suburbs, which was the lowest percentage on Broadway in 30 years. The demographic, which once made up 20% of the audience, has been trending down over the past few years.” - The Hollywood Reporter

A Deep Dive Into The National Archives, Where Few Curators Have Survived The Purges

“The archives ... said that no curators of ‘The American Story’ were available to speak, citing staff departures that have left the institution with only two curators, neither of whom had a substantial role in the exhibition.” - The New York Times

Jane Austen Still Has Us In A Chokehold

“Austen's characters are archetypes. That's what makes them so relatable today. We all know someone who's awkward and ingratiating, like Mr. Collins, clever and independent, like Lizzie, or reticent and reserved, like Mr. Darcy.” - NPR

It’s Just Science: Some Christmas Music Really Tanks Productivity

Those who love torturing customers and co-workers alike might have to listen to the science. The fact is, Ariana Grande and Andy Williams are out. "On the other hand, Brenda Lee’s 'Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ emerged as the most productivity-friendly holiday track.” - Fast Company

Louvre Will Raise Ticket Prices For All Non-EU Visitors

“(The) museum has approved a ticket hike from €22 to €32 ($25 to $37) for non-European visitors from January to help finance an overhaul of the building whose degradation has been exposed by the Oct. 19 crown jewels heist.” - AP

The Super Weird, Remixed Way People Are Watching Old TV Shows

“People are sitting through one-to-two minute, out-of-order clips of TV shows and movies on social media, awkwardly cropped for the vertical format and often with terrible music blaring in the background.” Okaaaaaay. But the people who love them really love them. - Washington Post (MSN)

The Decline Of Filmmaking, Thanks To The ‘Marvelization’ Of The Art

“Classic films, you may have noticed, concentrate practically all the energy in every facet of their production toward the expression of specific themes, stories, and characters; at their best, their every line, gesture, cut, and invention represents the tip of an artistic iceberg.” - Open Culture

New York’s Newest ‘Experiential Cinema’ Is Pricey, And Private

“Pick a film from either current releases or a curated archive, select a drink package for an extra $50 each, choose a 12-13 course gourmet meal off a seasonal menu for another $100 a head, and you have a ritzy night at the movies.” - The Guardian (UK)

We’re Spending 22 Dollars A Month More On Streaming Services This Year Than Last

That’s a big jump. “Some customers are starting to get fed up with having to subscribe to multiple streaming platforms just to get all of their favorite shows and sports. That has driven some people back into the arms of pay-TV.” - Los Angeles Times (Yahoo)

YouTube’s Conservative Stars Are Fueling A Boom In Political Ads

“Three in 10 advertisers relied on ideological appeals — emphasizing ‘pro-life,’ Christian, pro-gun, ‘America first,’ or pro-military themes, or attacking Democrats, gender identity or policies they described as liberal. Roughly a quarter promoted the ‘Make America Healthy Again’ agenda.” - Bloomberg (Archive Today)

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