A Critic’s Struggle, Behind The Words

Tim Page has been one of America’s most prominent music critics for more than a decade, working primarily for the Washington Post and earning a reputation as a tough but fair writer. Few of his readers would guess that he has suffered his whole life from Asperger’s Syndrome. In fact, Page himself didn’t recognize his affliction until quite late in life…

Non-Profits Not Struggling In Down Economy

“Despite the economic downturn and fears of recession, major charities say their fund-raising has not fallen off… In fact, some 64 percent of the organizations that have responded so far to the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ annual survey on fund-raising have reported bringing in more money in 2007 than the year before.”

An Orchestra On The Brink Of Disaster?

“Nearly broke and still short of solutions, the Columbus Symphony could fold as early as next month, the president of the symphony board says.” Of course, that same board president is pushing a plan to “save” the orchestra by laying off 22 full-time musicians and shaving 12 weeks off the season, so the musicians aren’t necessarily buying into the doomsday scenario. Who to believe?

A Real Portrait Of Mozart

There are many pictures purporting to be likenesses of Mozart. But “nobody really knew what Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart looked like – until now. To the great excitement of musical scholars, two previously-unknown oil portraits painted from life- and which can be traced back to a close friend of the composer’s father – have been discovered.”

The Best Critics? Really?

“Critics are busy – guess what? – critiquing other critics. No, this isn’t another nod in the direction of the playwriting debut of Nicholas de Jongh. The spring edition of the Economist’s new Intelligent Life magazine includes a guide, put together by 24 writers and editors, to the best critics going. Read it and weep – or cheer.”