ArtsJournal: Arts, Culture, Ideas

MUSIC

It’s Never Too Late To Learn An Instrument

For one thing, it’s good for your brain. “Plenty of research shows that adults could benefit from playing music. Doing so is neuroprotective.” - The Atlantic

Bringing Fanny And Alexander To Life As An Opera

The TV series version of Fanny and Alexander is more than five hours long, but the opera (perhaps sadly) has to be shorter. “The key to their adaptation was to capture the look and feeling of the movie with efficiency, and in new ways." - The New York Times

Does Music Have A Future In Health Care?

Tech folks would like to think so. "Soon, you'll have the option to subscribe to music on demand where the ‘demand’ comes from your own biometrics, serving you music to calm you down, invigorate you for an exercise workout, help you focus at work, or treat ailments.” - Wired

How Period Films’ Composers Use Odd Instruments To Recreate Sounds Of Their Times

For instance, for Nickel Boys, "Composers Alex Somers and Scott Alario recorded traditional instruments, children’s choirs and even the sounds of toys, then processed them into something that Somers describes as ‘slow and ambient and textural.’” - Variety

What I Learned Setting Up A DIY Record Label

The biggest issue facing the DIY scene is simply getting noticed, such is the competition across all media – for all there is enthusiastic music journalism online and ambassadors for music on TikTok. Instagram and beyond, the weekly music press inkies who would pick up and write about these bands are still sorely missed. - The Guardian

Good News From Cleveland Orchestra: Finances And Audience Numbers Are Healthy

The orchestra's 2023-24 annual report shows a sixth consecutive year of a balanced budget as well as endowment growth of 11% to $296 million; audience numbers have rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. - Ideastream Public Media (Cleveland)

Mexico’s New President Wants To Fight The Popularity Of Ballads About Drug Lords

"Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum said Monday she has a plan to reduce the popularity of 'narcocorridos.' … (She) vowed to launch a campaign to promote other, less violent musical styles that aren’t as linked to drug traffickers in an effort to stop glorifying them." - AP

Diva Angelina Jolie’s Take On Maria Callas’ Diva

The movie is energized by the emotional implications of the gap between her unflagging devotion to music and, essentially, music’s abandonment of her—the loss of many of the best qualities of her voice. - The New Yorker

Opera In Its Traditional Role: Innovator, Leader In Technology

“Every technology affects the way that we think, behave and interact. AI is not going away. It will become a part of our humanity, and therefore a part of our art-making.” - The Guardian

Cincinnati Symphony CEO Announces Retirement

"After leading the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra for seven years, CSO President and CEO Jonathan Martin has announced that he will retire on Feb. 16. He will be replaced by Chief Operating Officer Robert McGrath as the acting president and CEO." - The Cincinnati Enquirer (Yahoo!)

Spotify Says Music Created With AI Is Welcome

“We’re a tool for creators, and if creators want to use AI to enhance their music, as long as we follow the legislation and copyright laws, we want them to be able to monetise their music and pay out.” - MusicTech

Evaluating Wunderkind Conductor Klaus Makela

“It is safe to say that no conductor in modern history has been entrusted with so much at such a young age. Does he deserve it?" - The New York Times

Bryn Terfel Says Meat Loaf Should Play Him In A Biopic

Also, the opera singer lies about being on time to the airport, and other details. - The Guardian (UK)

Analyzing The ‘Legendary’ Donkey Kong Country Soundtrack

Video games do better with a serious commitment to music: "The self-taught British composer David Wise, with valuable contributions from Robin Beanland and Eveline Fischer, had managed to coax a richer variety of sounds than had ever emanated from a game console.” - Seattle Times (NYT)

Baltimore Symphony Oboist Has Become A Clearing House For Classical Music’s #MeToo Reckoning

“We need to show our industry and music-loving public that there are consequences for inappropriate behaviour,” Katherine Needleman says. - Baltimore Banner

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