In the mid-’80s minimalism was a force one had to contend with – fer or a’gin. “By now, of course, 1988 seems like old times; and while these sorts of aesthetic wars are never actually won, so to speak, it’s safe to say that the bells have indeed tolled for minimalism’s reign over American fiction.” – Salon
Tag: 11.16.00
CANADIAN PUBLISHING’S NEW STAR
She is 34, the youngest ever to be appointed to such a senior position in the Canadian publishing industry. Maya Mavjee is the lead editor behind the Giller Prize-winning “Mercy Among the Children” by David Adams Richards and the newly appointed publisher of Doubleday Canada, which makes her a star just beginning her ascent. – The Globe & Mail (Canada)
PHILADELPHIA AT 100
The Philadelphia Orchestra turns 100. “Only the orchestras of Berlin, Vienna, Cleveland and Chicago can claim to be competing on as high a level. And yet, the orchestra continues to operate in the same state of institutional uncertainty that has plagued it for the last six or seven years.” – Philadelphia Inquirer
SAWALLISCH’S NEW INTENSITY
Wolfgang Sawallisch is on his way out the Philadelphia’s music director. But as he’s turned 77 the critics are noting a new intensity in his performances. While Sawallisch notes the change, he’s at a loss to explain it. – Philadelphia Inquirer
RETHINKING BOCELLI
Has a singer ever been trashed so thoroughly by the critics as Andrea Bocelli has? Yet his first recording of a complete opera (“La Boheme”) has some critics rethinking their assessments. “Judged as a recording experience, Bocelli’s Rodolfo, which he has performed onstage in Sardinia, offers a great deal. His pop-crossover background may be responsible for his unusual attention to words; try his wistful query about Mimi in the Act IV duet with Marcello, “L’hai visto?” (have you seen her?). This Rodolfo simply sounds young, a bit light in the head and endowed with the soul of a poet.” – San Francisco Examiner