On opening night, Cecilia Bartoli was awarded Austria’s highest operatic honor, the title of Kammersängerin by the Austrian government.
Much discussion of Yang’s work has focused on the ways that he expertly depicts the interplay (and clash) between East and West within the context of deeply human stories. However, far less ink has been spilled over the role that Christianity has in this interplay.
One quibble with Eisenberg’s approach is that, in giving a vivid and political reading of the teachings of these philosophers, he occasionally simplifies them, perhaps out of prosecutorial zeal.
Paathan presents a challenge to any nationalism that supports a bureaucratic and utilitarian approach. Instead, it shows that community and human dignity are compelling reasons to preserve nations against multinational bids for global hegemony.
Six centuries of printmaking offered visitors a visual display of the genre in all of its splendor. Christof Metzger, the Albertina’s curator, created an exemplary exhibition.
Within the classical realm, the range and virtuosity of composition demands an equal measure of interpretation. Hannah Eisendle’s performance illustrated this with a spirited and novel direction.
The Magnificent Ambersons engages with issues of technological and social change in modernity. But it is also a very human story, focusing on a single family, detailing the lives of its members as change rocks their way of life
In addition to being Verdi’s last work, Falstaff has also been widely considered his least characteristic composition. Its memorable scenes and lively characters have allowed it to hold the stage ever since its 1893 premiere.
The Vienna Philharmonic’s visits to New York date back to 1956—a fine example of cultural diplomacy in the Cold War world and an enduring tradition.
Both the novel and the memoir touch on themes that are sadly out of fashion today: the brotherhood of arms crossing ethnic and cultural divides, individual bravery in battle, and the manly quest to build empires.
MasterVoices does not appear to be planning any Gilbert and Sullivan next season, but it should consider exploring that repertoire as it moves on. Events in Britain might just demand it.
A new book by ethicist Nigel Biggar argues that post-colonial guilt has been blown out of proportion.
