Synaphaï: Gene Gaudette's Blog

My review is live at Classical Source. And for those who missed it, my review of the season's first and well-programmed ACO concert can be found here.

I've recently heard from some colleagues who are very well connected to New York City's musical organizations rumors that the manager of one of the most prominent and revered had hired — and generously paid — his well-known brother as a "consultant" some years back without going through the proper channels. Yes, these are "only rumors" — but when they come from people in different business and social circles, one tends to put a bit more credence in them. Someone may well need to hire a spin doctor, and soon.

Sorting through the classical music biz noise on the Internet is not easy, but I do have a few bookmarks -- and an e-mail subscription -- that are well worth integrating into your routine.

Of course I can't pass up an opportunity to create a terrible pun, and in this case it's apt. Yes, it's the 200th anniversary of virtuoso pianist and underrated composer Franz Liszt, and the music world is being inundated by recitals and recordings. Naturally, it's easy to be jaded about anything Lisztian under the circumstances, so I'm pleased to report that last night's recital of some of the composer's barnburners at Christ & St. Stephen's Church in Manhattan (about a 5 minute walk from Lincoln Center) was one of the best programs I've seen all year. And the artist is a name you're unlikely to know, but should.

My review is live on Classical Source. I'll add that the orchestra, which has always given James Levine committed playing whenever they've appeared at Carnegie Hall, is just as in tune with Fabio Luisi, whose interpretations have very strong personality.

Violinist Miranda Cuckson took some time recently to talk to us about her interest in new music, her artistic collaboration with composer Michael Hersch, and the experience of preparing and performing contemporary works for concert and the recording studio. You can find out more about Miranda here, and information on The Wreckage of Flowers, recently released on CD by Musical Concepts, here.

Miranda Cuckson: The Synaphai Podcast (14:09, mp3, 20.4Mb)