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On the CD Player: Sensational Grainger

Saturday, 18 April 2009 14:50 Gene Gaudette

Lincolnshire Posy: Music for Band by Percy Grainger

Wow. Just plain wow. Out of left field comes one of the best classical CDs of the year — an all-Percy Grainger program.

Obama Exposes Medieval Practices of Bush Jr.'s Regime

Thursday, 16 April 2009 22:00 Gene Gaudette

I weigh in on the publication of the notorious Bush Jr. "torture memos" at APJ.

Vintage "Hojotoho!"

Sunday, 05 April 2009 12:45 Gene Gaudette

In his latest blog post, the incomparable Alan Rich sings the praises of some substantial Wagner recordings from the 78 era (and a few recent DVD releases). I have to echo his enthusiasm for both the hair-raising prewar Die Walküre Akt I with a dream cast conducted by Bruno Walter and Ward Marston's stunning new transfers of Victor Records' scenes from Siegfried recorded in the 1930s The former, issued on a single EMI Références CD, is no longer available but does turn up on Amazon and ebay from time to time; the latter, released on Naxos, is easily obtainable from numerous overseas mail order sources.

Alfred Deller Never Gets Old

Thursday, 26 March 2009 09:41 Gene Gaudette

Over the past couple of years, I've been working with Musical Concepts' Todd Landor and Greg Barbero…

Another One Bites the Dust: Nocturne

Wednesday, 25 March 2009 19:37 Gene Gaudette

Word has reached this side of the Atlantic that French indie label Nocturne has ceased to be. Their eclectic mix…

Mälkki/Ensemble ACJW @ Zankel

Monday, 23 March 2009 14:42 Gene Gaudette

My review of this uneven concert is now live at Classical Source.

Fear and Loathing in Philly Redux

Thursday, 19 March 2009 12:10 Gene Gaudette

Via Jessica Duchen's indispensible blog (and just why haven't you bookmarked it yet?) comes a link to this Guardian article on the woes that have befallen the Philadelphia Orchestra and its institutional support system. It should be added…

"Step Away from the Brahms Slowly…"

Wednesday, 18 March 2009 09:09 Gene Gaudette

Elizabeth Barnette tells it like it is -- to which I'd add...

Daniel Wakin wades into the recent leadership problems within the Philadelphia Orchestra's support system, though the headline may make you believe the lion's share of problems are being borne by the players. Truth is, the orchestra has sounded superb the last few times I've seen them under Charles Dutoit.

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