Monthly Archives: March 2001

The Gadfly in the Grove

Posted on March 28, 2001 by Alan Rich

George Grove, lighthouse builder Precious words abide. In 1986, I turned up in one of the Grove dictionaries as “an unpredictable gadfly”; now, in the latest Grove, I still am. At least they spelled my name right, both times. The … Continue reading →

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As Good As It Gets

Posted on March 21, 2001 by Alan Rich

Murray Perahia‘s concert at the Cerritos Center last week strengthened my conviction that he is the most satisfactory, the most honorable, American pianist. Watching him at work, you are touched by his sublime confidence. He knows what he’s good at, … Continue reading →

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Divine Madness

Posted on March 14, 2001 by Alan Rich

Leonard Bernstein, the story goes, once described Olivier Messiaen as ”God‘s cocktail pianist.“ Cute and to the point, I guess, but I wonder how many of His bar patrons would hang out, ordering refills, with Messiaen at the keyboard walloping … Continue reading →

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Father of Reinvention

Posted on March 7, 2001 by Alan Rich

The Philharmonic’s Stravinsky Festival is at its midpoint as I write. That the performances have been splendid is, of course, a given; something in Esa-Pekka Salonen’s own lively curiosity, his way of reacting to musical adventure of high audacity, the … Continue reading →

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L.A. STRAVINSKY FESTIVAL

Posted on March 4, 2001 by Alan Rich

Operating on the brave but often-challenged principle that an audience still exists for, and cares about, the music of the recent past, the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s current “Focus on Igor Stravinsky” festival focusses broadly. Over four weeks ending March 12, … Continue reading →

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