“The art of improvisation, long dormant in classical music, is undergoing a revival in concert halls, conservatories and recording studios. A handful of performers say they’re restoring a lost tradition that stretches back to Bach, Mozart and Beethoven — composer-performers and improvisers whose impromptu creations were almost as celebrated as their written masterpieces.”
Tag: 11.28.08
Playwright William Gibson Dies At 94
“William Gibson, 94, a Tony Award-winning playwright best known for “The Miracle Worker,” the inspirational story of Helen Keller and her teacher, Annie Sullivan, died Nov. 25 at his home in Stockbridge, Mass. … Mr. Gibson, whose work appeared on Broadway for five decades, was known for the demanding roles he wrote for women.”
Dismal Russian Art Auctions Find Metaphor: A £10 Painting
“Christie’s International sold for 10 pounds ($15.40) an artwork earmarked to fetch 2,000 pounds at its auction of Russian art in London, summing up the mood at yesterday’s sale which missed the low forecast by almost half. Nikita Lobanov-Rostovsky’s hand shot up when [the] auctioneer … gestured toward the piece ‘Troika Leaving the Farmstead’ and asked, ‘Will anyone give me 10 pounds?'”
Troubled B’way Courts Audience Via Thanksgiving Parade
“Broadway went from ‘In the Heights’ to ‘Under the Sea’ in front of the entrance of Macy’s in New York, as the city’s beleaguered theater industry sought to sell itself to a national audience. After a grim two months in which 11 Broadway shows closed or announced their intention to close, producers looked to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to jumpstart the survivors.”
Contract Standoff May Derail La Scala’s Opening Night
“The FIALS union, representing almost half of La Scala’s orchestra and choir members, is rejecting contracts accepted by about 90 percent of the company’s employees in October, and is seeking a bigger share of the opera house’s earnings from broadcasting. Management refuses to negotiate further.”