The Sound Post » nyphil

Baldwin Dedicated to Classical Music

Colin Oettle — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 02:18:35 +0000

Alec Baldwin loves classical music. According to the NY Times, Baldwin is not only invested in his role as announcer for the New York Philharmonic’s weekly radio broadcasts, but he is also a die-hard classical music fan. Daniel Wakin writes that Baldwin was offered the position after the Phil took notice of his patronage. The NY Phil regularly keeps tabs on its celebrity concert-goers, offering them tickets in exchange for publicity.

The Phil first booked Baldwin as narrator for an “Inside the Music” series in 2008—a program where a work is first explained and then performed. Then, after Baldwin joked that he’d like to quit acting and become a classical music radio presenter, the Phil pounced on his apparent interest and made an offer.

Now, as Baldwin records radio announcements between acting commitments like this winter’s “It’s Complicated” and NBC’s “30 Rock,” he sets his schedule around musical events he refuses to miss. Last May, he contracted time off to see Daniel Barenboim conduct Mahler’s ninth symphony. Baldwin’s interest in classical music began on a soap opera set when he was 24, when a staging director chided him for not recognizing Berlioz’s “March to the Scaffold” from Symphony Fantastique. Now, Baldwin listens to classical everywhere from his home to his car, and has a constantly expanding library of works.

Baldwin prefers mostly romantic composers; he says he likes more “emotive” kinds of music. Some of his favorites include Mahler and Tchaikovsky, having earned his preference by his own standard: music he wants played at his funeral.

Read the full story here.

Perlman to Play Polio Benefit Concert With NY Phil

Colin Oettle — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:38:47 +0000

World renown violinist Itzhak Perlman will give a one-night-only performance with the New York Philharmonic at Avery Fisher Hall this evening to raise money for Rotary International’s campaign against polio. Perlman, who lost the ability to walk to polio, will play a selection of works including Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1, and John Williams’ Theme from Schindler’s List.

Tickets start between $70.00 and $90.00, with a special premium package available for $500.00. These premium tickets grant concertgoers prime seat location as well as admittance to a private reception with Mr. Perlman following the event. As stated on the NY Phil website, “Net ticket proceeds will benefit Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign.” For info and tickets, see the event’s page at nyphil.com.

Gilbert’s Trip to Cuba Squashed by State Gov

Ian — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 20:17:05 +0000

I don’t even know what to say about this one. My understanding of the situation is still somewhat unclear. Apparently, Alan Gilbert, the New York Philharmonic, and “patrons” of the orchestra were scheduled to take a trip to Cuba next month. Notice that little detail at the end?

While the State Department was fine with the newly appointed Maestro and his ensemble making the trip, they were not too excited about 150 wealthy New Yorkers going on a vacation which ordinary U.S. Citizens are not allowed to make.

With the exception of the New York Times (which may or may not have helped propel Gilbert into the driver’s seat in a similar fashion to Sir Simon Rattle’s rise with the Berlin Philharmonic), Gilbert’s opening night performance was met with less than stellar reviews. While the Times praised the rhythmic integrity of his performance, most others called him unenthusiastic and “lacking in charisma”.

As a native New Yorker, I love Alan Gilbert. I found his performance of John Adams’s Dr. Atomic last year to be top-notch, and I am looking forward to more performances. But I cannot help feel that this has somehow done a disservice to his image.

What do you think? Should Gilbert be held responsible for this? Or should the finger-pointing go more in the direction of the orchestra’s president, Zarin Mehta, who last year collected a salary of $850,000, and after other “extras” racked in a grand $2.7 million. My only question is, did they really expect to get away with this?

Source: Bloomberg

Gilbert Leads NY Phil as Music Director

Colin Oettle — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 02:45:10 +0000

Alan Gilbert reigned over the New York Philharmonic tonight for the first time as music director. Hosted by actor Alec Baldwin, the televised broadcast “Live from Lincoln Center” allowed millions to watch not only the NY Phil’s opening night, but its venture into a new era of leadership. Gilbert is not only the youngest-appointed music director, but also the first native New Yorker to hold the position.

The program began with the world premier of EXPO by Magnus Lindberg, the Phil’s composer-in-residence until 2011. Lindberg wrote the work knowing it would open the milestone season—the Phil’s 50th at Avery Fisher Hall.

EXPO was followed by Songs pour Mi—a song cycle by Olivier Messiaen. Sung by Renée Fleming, the song cycle is a portrait of Messiaen’s love for his wife, Claire Delbos, who he nicknamed Mi. Those watching the televised broadcast saw Fleming introduce the cycle with a pre-recorded speech, which outlined Messiaen’s relationship from his marriage to Delbos at 27 years old, to her institutionalization due to mental illness after the end of World War II.

Finally, the headlining work of the night was Symphony No. 1—or the Fantastic Symphony—by Hector Berlioz. Written only three years after Beethoven’s death, the work facilitated the exodus into Romanticism, as it’s massive orchestration and lush expression brought unrestricted emotive composition into the musical world. The work is programmatic—that is, it possesses a narrative—with notes written by Berlioz himself. Each of the five movements has a descriptive title, including the famous March to the Scaffold and Dream of a Witch’s Sabbath. As described by Berlioz, the piece tells the story of “an artist gifted with a lively imagination” who has “poisoned himself with opium” in the “depths of despair” out of “hopeless love.”

Alan Gilbert Opens NY Phil on Wednesday

Colin Oettle — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 01:31:59 +0000

On Wednesday night, conductor Alan Gilbert will put on his music director’s shoes as he takes the podium in Avery Fisher Hall—a step up which marks a new era in the New York Philharmonic. The maestro will lead a performance of ~~Mahler’s third symphony~~ EXPO by Magnus Lindberg, Songs Pour Mi by Oliver Messiaen, and Berlioz’s Symphony Fantastique. While great expectations lie on Mr. Gilbert’s baton, one hopes the orchestra will take the opportunity to embrace its new leader, a fresh outlook, and renewed vigor.

Here is a great interview with Gilbert by Martin Steinberg (AP).

NY Phil Begins “Concerts in the Parks” Next Week

Colin Oettle — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 17:53:09 +0000

The New York Philharmonic will perform its first “Concerts in the Parks” performance on Tuesday, July 14 in Central Park. The program for the first three performances is Mozart Symphony No. 41 “Jupiter,” and Beethoven Symphony No. 7. The fourth performance will feature Copland’s Old American Songs (Set 2), and Mahler Symphony No. 1 “Titan.” All performances are free and will be conducted by Alan Gilbert. The Copland songs will feature baritone Nathan Gunn. Check the link for the full schedule.

The schedule on the NY Phil website can be found here, but here is a brief outline for your convenience:

Tuesday, Jul 14, 2009, 8:00 PM – Central Park – Mozart 41 and Beethoven 7
Wednesday, Jul 15, 2009, 8:00 PM – Brooklyn – Mozart 41 and Beethoven 7
Thursday, Jul 16, 2009, 8:00 PM – Bronx – Mozart 41 and Beethoven 7
Friday, Jul 17, 2009, 8:00 PM – Central Park – Copland Old American Songs and Mahler 1

Happy concertgoing!

Maazel Conducts Symphony of a Thousand

Colin Oettle — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 06:01:45 +0000

Lorin Maazel finishes his time with the Phil this week with a run of Mahler’s Symphony of a Thousand. Performances are 7:30pm June 24 and 25, 8:00pm June 26 and 27. Get tickets here.

Two Nights Sold Out—Maazel Conducts Symphony of a Thousand

Colin Oettle — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 05:49:43 +0000

Grammatical Error in Title Goes Unquestioned

Lorin Maazel’s final performances with the New York Philharmonic span the nights of June 24 – June 27. The program is Mahler’s Symphony No. 8—the Symphony of a Thousand. The June 24 and 26 performances are already sold out, so if you’re debating whether to attend, don’t wait too long. Find the event homepage here.

Lorin Maazel Closes NYSE

Colin Oettle — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 04:44:07 +0000

Finds Gavel Significantly Heavier Than Baton

Lorin Maazel rang the closing bell of the NYSE today in commemoration of his reign over the Philharmonic. You can watch the event take place here.

New York Phil Launches iPhone Application

Colin Oettle — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 22:17:38 +0000

Causes Even Less Eye Contact on Subway

New York Philharmonic fans everywhere now have the ability to directly receive news and updates from the Phil, provided they possess Apple’s recently updated iPhone.

The App is powered by the Instant Encore online service, which is a website with classical concert listings for many metropolitan areas throughout the country. The application is available here, and requires an Instant Encore account. Signup is quite easy however; check the link for a full hands-on.

The first screen you’re greeted with: simply select “Sign up” or “Sign In.”

The front page offers upcoming concerts—usually listed as “featured events.” On the bottom is a timeline of blog posts, media samples (see next picture), news items, and podcasts. All articles/podcasts are available right from the phone.

The media page is great—there are samples from the Phil playing Mahler available for listening. Now if only I could make it my ringtone..

That’s it for my first impressions. If I discover anything real sweet, I’ll update!