Conductor's Notebook
Writings, including academic papers and music criticism, as well as videos, audio, notes, and other content.
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The music world has been tying itself in knots over Ludwig van Beethoven recently. In the year of his 250th birthday, some are calling for a boycott of organizations that perform his music. Others are offering a counter-reformation of sorts, with hashtags and memes in defense of the celebration. Here are eight winning ideas and two counterproductive ideas to consider.
In a year packed with highs, lows, and plenty of news, here’s a look back on some highlights, both worldwide and personal.
65 years after her death, one of the twentieth century’s most important voices has finally begun to receive the attention she so richly deserves. Florence Beatrice Price, born in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1887, was the first African-American woman to have a composition performed in concert by a major American orchestra.
A new season of music is upon us! And with a new season, a tall stack of new scores to learn. I have compiled a number of works that will be performed by the various groups I lead. In addition, I’ve added a few all-time favorites and other interesting tracks.
This post is one of a series on composer Florence Price.
Below is a timeline of some of the major events of the life of Florence Beatrice Price with many linked sources allowing the reader to explore further.
When an important composer's papers, including dozens of her best works, are lost and then later found, an entire cottage industry must necessarily grow up around bringing these works to life. Thankfully, the University of Arkansas has begun to create exactly that, and many of Price's works are seeing their very first performances and recordings…
Florence Price was doubtless one of the great composers of her generation, and the first African American woman "to achieve national recognition for her accomplishments as a symphonic composer." Price seems finally to be having her "moment" with a flurry of press and the premiere of her fourth symphony and second violin concerto all occurring since January. An American original who completed over 300 compositions…
This most recent holiday season was a particularly joyful period of celebration. Here is a look at five musical moments from this past November and December:
