Author Archives: Alan Rich

With a feat of transformation worthy to stand beside the changeover from Superman to Clark Kent, the volcanic force behind the delights of P.D.Q. Bach on Monday night became, one night later, just plain Peter Schickele. The result: new realms … Continue reading →

The true believers already know the scene by heart.Monday night at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, a few minutes past 8. A capacity crowd stirs in anticipation. The unitiated are a little restless, but the Believers know the order of events. … Continue reading →

Andrew Davis had already done well by the Los Angeles Philharmonic two months ago, in a regularly scheduled appearance as guest conductor. This week he has done even better, in a noble rescue operation. This week’s concerts at the Music … Continue reading →

Arnold Schoenberg liked to complain that his name wasn’t well enough known. He would have had a ball on Sunday afternoon, when the Schoenberg Quartet from The Netherlands played a Schoenberg quartet at UCLA’s Schoenberg Hall, with a contingent from … Continue reading →

It should have been better. Of all the cultural events around town relating to the County Museum’s “Degenerate Art” show, the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s concert on Thursday night (repeated tonight) turned out to be one of the more paltry components. … Continue reading →

Ernst Krenek turned 90 last summer.He lives in Palm Springs, where he continues to compose. His opus numbers are, in fact, well into the high 200s. At Monday night’s Green Umbrella concert at the Japan America Theater, the sweep across … Continue reading →

The phenomenon of Vladimir Ashkenazy brightens our musical landscape. Pianist and conductor, his mastery of both arts is truly remarkable. If anything, his prowess in the one area seems to nourish the other. He has been with us these two … Continue reading →

The world is well supplied with promising pianists, accomplished pianists, even a few great pianists. Yet Maurizio Pollini stands apart, a musician of such towering intelligence and originality, coupled with with a virtuoso’s technique so close to flawless as anyone … Continue reading →

Art for the ear, art for the eye: it made for a compelling mixture at the County Museum on Monday night. In the Bing Theater’s Monday Evening Concert series, an imaginatively arranged program formed a musical reflection of the “Degenerate … Continue reading →

PAUL: I HAVE TO GIVE A LECTURE IN THE MORNING, IN AROUND NOON. HERE’S ANOTHER COPY OF MY SUNDAY COLUMN; I DON’T SEE WHERE ANY WORDS ARE MISSING UNLESS JON DID SOME EDITING> ANYHOW, I’LL SEE YOU LATER — ALAN … Continue reading →