Look at that ugly gap in postings! Apologies for that, I've been truly preoccupied with an unfortunate occurrence, vis-a-vis the Big City; the hard drive on my computer is failing. As I'm sure you can imagine, that's a problem when it comes to maintaining any kind of web site. As it's going to conk out … Continue reading Preoccupations
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The Sell-Off
Is it possible to regularly listen to 18 different Mahler symphony cycles? 20 different sets of the complete Beethoven symphonies? In theory, yes, in practice, no; I find myself reaching for the complete Mahler on EMI rather than the one on Deutsche Grammaphon, I prefer Bernstein's first cycle to his second, I usually pick Bertini … Continue reading The Sell-Off
Elsewhere
The latest issue of The Wire, #405, for November, is out now, and in it you can read my coverage of the Ostrava Days 2017 festival, which was it's usual excellent self. Web view is available only to subscribers, so you'll have to actually grab a copy of the issue to read the whole thing.
Stuff That Stocking
Are you a musician, or do you know any musicians? My Moleskine music notebook is one of the two most valuable tools I have. I've got a bunch of different music notebooks, but this is the only one I carry around with me—the hard cover protects the interior, and the paper inside is nicely printed … Continue reading Stuff That Stocking
Stuff That Stocking
For anyone who listens to music through smartphone or tablet, these Bluetooth headphones are an exponential upgrade over earbuds. The sound is excellent, close to that of my Sony studio monitor cans, and you can't quite imagine how wonderful it is to be free of those danlings wire until you actually try it. Pairs with my … Continue reading Stuff That Stocking
Tip Jar
A gentle reminder, there is an ongoing fundraiser here at the Big City. Every little bit helps, even tiny donations. If you can give more, I have many of what the public broadcasters call "premiums." Since I'm below even subsistence level, your donation means a lot more to me, and if you can't give any … Continue reading Tip Jar
Where It’s At
My transfer back to WordPress.com is fundamentally complete, though cleaning up graphics and taxonomy on the back end is an ongoing project. As great as my previous host, WPEngine, was, I just can’t afford it; freelance writing produces a below poverty level income, and this blog has never produced any income. As for the lack … Continue reading Where It’s At
Early Summer
On mental vacation—in case you hadn't noticed already. Left things to read elsewhere: a profile of composer Alex Mincek at Music & Literature, pointing out that there's no bullshit with the blues over at one of my posts, and the usual accumulation of concert reviews at the NY Classical Review. June will deliver something I've been … Continue reading Early Summer
