A metaphor from the abortion debate:
You wake up in the morning and find yourself back to back in bed with an unconscious violinist. A famous unconscious violinist. He has been found to have a fatal kidney ailment, and the Society of Music Lovers has canvassed all the available medical records and found that you alone have the right blood type to help. They have therefore kidnapped you, and last night the violinist’s circulatory system was plugged into yours, so that your kidneys can be used to extract poisons from his blood as well as your own. The director of the hospital now tells you, “Look, we’re sorry the Society of Music Lovers did this to you—we would never have permitted it if we had known.” But still, they did it, and the violinist now is plugged into you. To unplug you would be to kill him. But never mind, it’s only for nine months. By then he will have recovered from his ailment, and can safely be unplugged from you.
Pro-abortion choice advocates have relied upon this thought experiment for decades. They argue, rather simplistically, that this specific woman’s right to unplug the violinist translates into a general right to elective abortion. Many of my pro-life students are stumped by the argument and seek my advice on how to navigate it succinctly. I am writing this column to provide a response to those inquiries.
Read on here.
From Boston Classical Review:
The Russian composer’s Triple Concerto was given its world premiere Thursday night at Symphony Hall by Andris Nelsons and the Boston Symphony Orchestra…
The Triple Concerto is cast in a single unbroken movement spanning a half hour. Instead of the glistening textures of Offertorium, Gubaidulina’s new work is cast in darkness. Basses and brasses growl. Colors between the three solo instruments—violin, cello, and bayan—and the orchestra transform slowly. Harmonies shift like images in a kaleidoscope….
Read on here.
Andris Nelsons congratulates Sofia Gubaidulina following the Boston Symphony Orchestra world premiere of her Triple Concerto Thursday night. Photo: Winslow Townson
Klaus Lang, a composer of international repute, has been refused a US visa to attend a Los Angeles performance of his work, missa beati pauperes spiritu.
No reason was given for the refusal.
Lang, who is professor of composition at the University of Arts in Graz, believes it is connected to a non-government award he received four years ago in Iran.
Statement by the Vienna State Opera:
Dmitri Hvorostovsky is postponing scheduled recitals in Kaliningrad and Minsk over the coming week and canceling his Wiener Staatsoper recital on March 7 after being advised by his doctors to continue treatment for his brain tumour during this period.
The Wiener Staatsoper is currently looking for a replacement, which will be announced as soon as possible. In a statement, Dmitri Hvorostovsky said, “I had been greatly looking forward to these recitals, and it truly pains me to have to withdraw from them. However, right now I must follow doctor’s orders and focus on my recovery. I sincerely appreciate all of the love and support that has been shown to me by my family, friends, and fans.”
Hvorostovsky plans to return to performing in April with a concert in Toronto with Anna Netrebko and Yusif Eyvazov and a recital in Dublin.
