My two-hour conversation with Kirill Gerstein, who hosts an indispensable weekly “webinar” dealing with musical issues, mainly focused on my new book Dvorak’s Prophecy and the Vexed Fate of Black Classical Music. But – as in my book (yesterday named one of the best of the year in The Financial Times) – many other topics were broached. If you’re interested in sampling … [Read more...] about Dvorak’s Prophecy, the CIA, and More
Dvorak’s Prophecy — Online Wednesday
It’s my pleasure to be Kirill Gerstein’s guest this Wednesday for his “Kronberg Academy” online seminar – that’s at noon ET and you can register here. To my knowledge, this series is unique. It dives deeply – for two hours – into musical topics. It attracts a distinguished international audience. I will be discussing my new book Dvorak’s Prophecy and the Vexed Fate of Black … [Read more...] about Dvorak’s Prophecy — Online Wednesday
“Die Meistersinger” in Covid Times
Like every lifelong Wagnerite, I regard any opportunity to experience Die Meistersinger as special. It was my first opera at the Met, in 1962 – and also my most recent, last night. There have been half a dozen other Met Meistersingers in between. I’ve also encountered Die Meistersinger in San Francisco, Bayreuth, and Munich, and at the City Opera (in English). These … [Read more...] about “Die Meistersinger” in Covid Times
Charles Ives’ America
“'Charles Ives’ America' is very likely the most important film ever made about American music” – JoAnn Falletta, Music Director, The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra My forthcoming book, Dvorak’s Prophecy and the Vexed Fate of Black Classical Music (WW Norton, Nov. 25) links to six documentary films. Of these, “Charles Ives’ America” attempts a landmark feat of advocacy. … [Read more...] about Charles Ives’ America
Arts Myopia
Here's my piece in today's "American Purpose," Jeff Gedmin's daily online magazine which valuably charts a centrist position not only with regard to government and politics, but also pays due attention to the arts. The condition of the arts in the United States has never been more chaotic or confusing. The pandemic revealed – if such revelation was necessary – a general … [Read more...] about Arts Myopia