10.29.00 – ArtsJournal Wayback

RE-EVALUATING LEONARD BERNSTEIN (AGAIN)

It’s been ten years “since chain-smoking, emphysema and pleural tumors ended that neck-and-neck race between Bernstein and “the odds,” he’s still – in a strange way – on the scene, though without his provocative politics, podium gyrations, capes and cigarette holders. So can we finally get to the truth behind the best-documented musician in Western Civilization?” – Philadelphia Inquirer

POWER BROKER

“His name is Costa Pilavachi, and he is president of the Decca Music Group in London. At 49, he happens to be just about the most powerful person in the classical-music business – the man who produces not only Bartoli’s albums but those of Luciano Pavarotti, Renée Fleming, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Andrea Bocelli and Jessye Norman.” – Toronto Star

PLAY IS TOO HOT FOR SINGAPORE

Singapore’s Public Entertainment Licensing Unit has turned down a permit to stage a play. “Written by Indian playwright Elangovan, the play is about an Indian-Muslim woman’s experiences of marital violence and rape. Staged three times in Tamil in 1998 and last year, it had triggered strong protests from some members of the Indian-Muslim community who thought it blasphemous and some religious groups wanted it banned.” – The Straits Times (Singapore)

LABEL THIS – PLEASE!

It’s been 13 years since a conservative movement succeeded in getting warning labels afixed to recordings thought to be potentially offensive. And what’s happened to labels? “These days, if you mean business in the market, you’d better have a sticker.” The labels have come to signify edgier work and – not surprisingly – that’s the music kids want to listen to. So what, really, is the point of labels? – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 10/29/00

CLOSE TO GREATNESS

Whether it’s Jimi Hendrix’s guitar or Leonardo’s snuff box, we’ve always had a fascination for relics. “Russell Martin’s new book, “Beethoven’s Hair,” is a wonderful contemplation of how relics can become bridges between people separated by time, culture and death. “Beethoven’s Hair” also gives us a long, inspiring look at passion in several forms.” – The Plain Dealer (Cleveland) 10/29/00

SOMETHING AMISS AT THE BRITISH MUSEUM?

For centuries the British Museum has been the very symbol of British rectitude and order. But a recent scandal over stone used for a new portico, and a new exhibition about ancient Rome that features film clips from the movie “Gladiator” has critics wonder whether the museum has sold its soul. – The Independent (UK)

THE SHOCKING TURNER PRIZE

What happened to this year’s Turner Prize exhibition? We’re used to controversy, shock, bad art. “This year’s show is tasteful, steady and, in two cases, highly accomplished. There’s nothing willfully bad, flash or obscure here: the services of the Tate’s head of interpretation will not be required. Take your grandmother, take your children – the only shock is that there isn’t a single video.” – The Observer (UK)

NEWLY GLAMOROUS ARCHITECTS

Who says architects have to be dull? The Stirling Prize, awarded for “the architects of the European building which has made the greatest contribution to British architecture” in the past year, has “taken a good look round and decided that the best way to raise its profile, part of its self-conscious rebranding, is to make its rather worthy annual awards glamorous.” – The Telegraph (UK)

BRITAIN AT THE VENICE BIENNALE

“Britain has made a mistake. It has decided that Mark Wallinger should represent us at the next Venice Biennale. The Biennale is the most prestigious art event in the world. Quite how hilarious a mistake it is to send Wallinger is made clear by the catch-up survey of his career so far that has been organised by the Liverpool Tate. Actually, it is one of very few things that are made clear by it.” – The Sunday Times (UK)