Here’s why the NY Phil was stupid and arrogant to let Alan Gilbert go

This is an extraordinary concert. Works by John Adams, Thomas Adès (Kirill Gerstein, soloist), György Ligeti (in an encore), and Esa-Pekka Salonen, with Alan Gilbert conducting the NDR Elbphilharmonie. A program booklet may be found here.

Skating Above The Ice

Today I wrote, “The spring is late this year.
In the early mornings there is hoarfrost on the water meadows.
And on the highway the frozen ruts are papered over with ice.”

The day was gloves.

How far from the usual statement
About time, ice—the weather itself had gone.

—John Ashbery (from The Skaters, IV)

In his Berlin story, Something About the Railway, Robert Walser wrote, “Nowadays, anywhere there is nature, trains are also found.” How true it is: almost all along its route, the best views of the Hudson between New York City and Poughkeepsie are from the train, not by foot. But there’s one place near to us where anyone on foot can have the ne plus ultra of views, weather permitting, of course.

My Year in Music 2012

At this time of year, I’m particularly glad I’m not a professional critic assigned to assemble a “top ten” music list for 2012. Instead, what you’ll find is a year-end offering of highlights from my personal musical journey throughout the year.