Recent reviews: ‘Carmen,’ Conrad Tao, London, etc.

Westminster Green Plaque on the site of first UK performance of Beethoven's 9th Symphony 252 Regent Street London

The Orange County Register, the newspaper that I’ve worked for sine the 20th century, seems to have changed its policy on its articles online. At least for the moment. My articles are released from behind the pay wall after a mere seven days (as opposed to the previous sentence of  90 days) and are available to read for free. Accordingly, I link to some of my most recent reviews and articles. Please enjoy responsibly.

Review: For good and ill, Tao and Pacific have a blast. Sept. 27, 2013.

Review: L.A. Opera opens season with tepid Carmen. Sept. 22, 2013.

Interview: Pianist/composer Conrad Tao. Sept. 20, 2013.

My preview of the season. Sept. 13, 2013.

London Classical Gas (an account of my summer “vacation”). Sept. 5, 2013.

classical music, reviews

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October 4, 2013

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Nixon Library concerts on hiatus

The long-running concert series at the Nixon Library in Yorba Linda — free every Sunday at 2 p.m. — is on hiatus due to the shutdown of the Federal Government, pianist Ann Patrick Green informs me. Her recital this Sunday, which was to include music by Chopin, Brahms and Rachmaninoff, is cancelled.

The concerts will resume once the hostage is freed.

classical music

October 3, 2013

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Olga Kern resets recital program

The program that pianist Olga Kern will play Friday night to open the season for the Philharmonic Society of Orange County has been changed. We don’t know the reason. Previously, she was going to perform an all-Rachmaninoff agenda. (I went to press twice this week with that information.) But now, she’ll play some other things, and you won’t hear me complaining. Here’s her new program:

BEETHOVEN: 10 Variations in B-flat on Antonio Salieri’s aria “La stessa, la stessissima,” WoO73
SCHUMANN: Carnaval, Op. 9
RACHMANINOFF: Five Preludes, Op. 32
No. 1 in C major
No. 5 in G major
No. 8 in A minor
No. 10 in B minor
No. 12 in G-sharp minor
RACHMANINOFF: Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 36

This has been a public service announcement.

Update: Excuse me, the recital is Friday night. I have made the correction.

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October 2, 2013

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L.A. Phil opening night gala: From Cage to Saint-Saens

079

In today’s Orange County Register online, I review last night’s Los Angeles Philharmonic gala opening concert. Gustavo Dudamel conducted; Yo-Yo Ma guest starred.

Click here to read my review (one day pass or paid subs required), or pick up a copy of Thursday’s newspaper.

Photo Credit: Mathew Imaging

classical music, reviews

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October 1, 2013

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Review: Conrad Tao impresses in Pacific Symphony opener

In today’s Orange County Register online, I review the Pacific Symphony’s season opening concert, which featured music by Boyer, Rachmaninoff and Brahms. Conrad Tao was the piano soloist. Carl St.Clair conducted.

Click here to read my review (paid subs or one day pass required), or pick up a copy of today’s newspaper.

classical music, reviews

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September 28, 2013

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Note to the two couples in front of me last night

Don’t talk during the concert!

Don’t whisper during the concert!

Sit still and shut up!

It was very annoying.

Note to the Pacific Symphony. To your various announcements, you might add a request to be quiet during performances.

classical music

September 27, 2013

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Renee Fleming sings David Letterman’s Top Ten list

This is making the rounds. Pretty good. Dave is certainly impressed.

Hat tip to MarK.

classical music, music videos

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September 26, 2013

2 Comments

Chris Thile plays Bach

Chris Thile plays the fugue from Bach’s Violin Sonata No. 1 in G minor, on mandolin. He has a fascinating new recording of Bach’s violin works on Nonesuch. The beautiful liner notes, by the way, are by newly minted “MacArthur Genius” Jeremy Denk.

classical music, music videos, reviews

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September 26, 2013

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90 days: Humor in music

Two more pieces released from jail at ocregister.com. The first is an essay, or think piece, on humor in music, the second a review of the opening concert in this year’s Baroque Music Festival, Corona del Mar. You may read them for free.

Essay: The lighter side of classical music. June 21, 2013.

Review: Baroque Festival opens with concerto rarities. June 17, 2013.

classical music, reviews

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September 25, 2013

4 Comments

New page on classical terms and usage

dictionary

I have added a page, above, collecting some recent writings on classical music terms and usage. Regular visitors to Classical Life will have read these already. I have added the page for ready reference.

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September 23, 2013

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