Price, Wieck, and Ravel

“WHITES ONLY”—“COLORED ONLY”—“NEGROES NEED NOT APPLY”: This signage was a part of Florence Price’s world everywhere she went, whether Arkansas or Boston or Chicago, to the end of her days. It was not just about restrooms, water fountains, education, and jobs. It was also about the White-dominated world of classical music— especially orchestral music. To … Continue reading Price, Wieck, and Ravel

Umoja

Just back from a typically wonderful Philadelphia Orchestra concert conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin. View fullsize Yannick and Hélène Grimaud taking bows after the concerto Yannick seems to have bleached his hair. I didn’t subscribe last season and the only concert I attended was not conducted by him, so I’m not sure if this is a … Continue reading Umoja

Freude

One of these days I'll have to learn how to pronounce Yannick Nézet-Séguin's name; I think the diacritical marks over the e's throw me off because they look like accents. Anyway, this afternoon Nézet-Séguin conducted a magnificent performance of Beethoven's 9th Symphony. Who knew an hour could fly by so quickly? I was especially impressed … Continue reading Freude