IN SICKNESS OR IN HEALTH…

Collecting recordings is becoming a dicey proposition. Mergers of recording companies, endangerment of long-favored labels, and the growth of downloadable music on the internet is a threat to the collector. Just why do people collect recordings? Can they adapt to the new world of music recording? – The Guardian

STILL PLAYING AFTER ALL THESE YEARS

It’s been a few years since the movie of David Helfgott propelled the pianist to international stardom. Despite the lambasting of music critics, Helfgott is still a popular draw, and his concerts continue to sell well. “He’s the only pianist to have sold out the Sydney Opera House four nights running. People want to see Helfgott rock back and forth at the piano and sing along as his fingers fly over the keys. They want to see him because of who he is and what he’s overcome.” – The Scotsman

RECONSIDERING AARON

On the 100th anniversary of Aaron Copland’s birth, the man and his music are being reconsidered. “Copland’s avuncular image as a doyen of American music is avowed by the voluminous testimony of all who knew him as to his generosity, kindly nature and wry sense of humour. However, this image implies a certain blandness which characterised neither his life nor his music.”- The Economist