Philharmonic proposes civil partnership to New York Times
mainThe love fest between Philharmonic conductor Alan Gilbert and the New York Times has reached a point where they need to consider solemnising the relationship.
Since the New Year, the Times chief music critic Anthony Tommasini has been engaged in one of the most vapid pieces of journa-listing in recent memory, compiling a chart of the 10 greatest composers of all time. Tommasini’s definition of ‘greatest’ is so vague that no intelligent purpose can be served by such an exercise, except to fill vacant space in the Times and in the minds of its editors.
Many readers have responded with contempt. But just as the futile blether is fading to blank, up pops Alan Gilbert on his blog with expressions of surprise and delight at the brilliance of the Times, and of Tommasini, his leader of cheerleaders.
‘I followed it with great interest,’ trills Gilbert. ‘It is reminiscent of one of my favorite parlor games.’ Read the rest of the fest for yourselves, before heaving.
This mutual admiration society is now officially a public affair. It may soon require the blessing of Mayor Bloomberg on the steps of City Hall.
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In today’s entry,
Alan Gilbert considers the question of “greatness” with regard to classical
composers. The thought was sparked by Anthony Tommasini’s recent article listing
the Top 10 composers of all time. The Music Director ponders: “How many
composers can we think of who were not considered to be great until many years
had passed? Does this mean that their music was not ‘great’ until long after it
was written?”
Click here to
read Alan Gilbert’s blog.
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