In a long-expected move, Woolfe, who became the Times's classical music editor in 2015, succeeds Anthony Tommasini, who retired as chief classical critic last year. (That Woolfe's title does not include "chief" would seem to indicate that the Times doesn't plan to hire another staff critic.) - The New York Times
The earliest, putty-colored cylinders deteriorate after only a few dozen listens if played on the Edison machines; they crack if you hold them too long in your hand. And because the wax tubes themselves were unlabeled, many of them remain mysteries. - NPR
So he is a traditionalist choice to win—but a traditionalist choice for an institution that has been changing. Following years of accusations about gender and racial bias—including from the Recording Academy’s own ousted leader—the Grammys have lately been on a reform mission. - The Atlantic
Here's an app that helps connects smaller bands and audiences with venues off the beaten path, some of them way off. The majority of concert venues listed on SideDoor are in peoples' homes — but there are also quirkier spaces. - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
At the beginning, you say something about legato, and people look at you like, “I don’t know what he’s talking about.” After a year, they say, “Oh yes.” Just by constantly raising the issue when you’re bothered by it, people start to understand what it is, what it feels like or what it sounds like. - Van
The very concept of a historical canon has become toxic, and with classical music no longer the player it was 75 years ago, this antihistorical attitude threatens to drive appreciation of classical music even further from its one-time pride of place in general culture. - The American Scholar
While decrying the invasion, a statement from the Cliburn says the Russian-born pianists “are not officials of their government, nor is their participation in the Cliburn state-sponsored." - Dallas Morning News
Yes, cancel Will Smith's movies, but by all means, award a Grammy to Louis CK, media folks. Great job. (Here's a tweet that explains the issue.) Anyway, congrats! - Los Angeles Times
"Stations rose to the occasion to provide refuge from a world that felt scary and uncertain. That has translated into ratings records" — WDAV in Charlotte actually reached no. 1 in its market — "strong fundraising and a reminder of the value of classical stations to local arts organizations." - Current
Over the past decade, women only make up 12.7% of songwriters. The study also counted producers of select years, and found that women made up a paltry 2.8%. - NPR
"Joplin is more than just someone who wrote some great piano pieces, was Black and died. He is part of the story of American classical music that has never quite captured popular attention." - The New York Times
"He plans to create a troupe of 15 to 20 professional singers who will be on salary (not working as freelancers, as most soloists do) and take all but the biggest roles. He believes greater job stability had become more appealing over the past two years." - The New York Times
