by Kenneth Woods | May 15, 2011 | A view from the podium
Second post in our series marking the 100th Anniversary of the death of Gustav Mahler, 18 May, 1911. Some time I ago I was working with a very fine singer on Mahler’s Der Abschied (“The Farewell”) from Das Lied von der Erde. We talked a lot about color, about...
by Kenneth Woods | May 15, 2011 | A view from the podium, Mahler, Mahler- Performer's Perspective
As we approach the 100th Anniversary of Mahler’s death (which took place on 18 May, 1911), we thought it might be interesting to offer a few essays or meditations on why Mahler’s music speaks to us today as it does. First up, regular Vftp contributor...
by Kenneth Woods | May 10, 2011 | A view from the podium
Longtime Vftp readers will know that I generally have a “no comment” rule when it comes to the work of my colleagues in the dark profession. No reviews, no criticism and no praise. It’s the best way to stay out of trouble- praise one colleague and anyone you don’t...
by Kenneth Woods | May 4, 2011 | A view from the podium
We had some lovely feedback from the presenters of our concert on Saturday. It’s especially gratifying when a presenter allows the artists to present an unusually thought-provoking and challenging program like this. I was especially taken by Ira’s...
by Kenneth Woods | Apr 29, 2011 | A view from the podium
I’m wearing my cellist hat for much of the month of May, doing runs of concerts with my string trio, Ensemble Epomeo this week in Pennsylvania then in the UK later in the month. We’re learning a stack of new repertoire this week, including the second string trio of...
by Kenneth Woods | Apr 22, 2011 | A view from the podium
Well, well, well…. It’s celebratin’ time here at Vftp! Turns out the old blog has been selected for Gramophone Magazine’s “Blogwatch” column for the second time. (You can read details of our first appearance here and here). This...
by Kenneth Woods | Apr 21, 2011 | A view from the podium, Lists
Well, here we are at last- the final five conductors in our “Real” Top 20 of conducting. Part I is here, II here, III here and my feature on Conductor Composers is here. A bit of background on process. I made my basic Top 20 list in about 25 minutes. The first 15...
by Kenneth Woods | Apr 21, 2011 | A view from the podium
The IMSLP/Petrucci Music Library has long since evolved from being a controversial newcomer to an essential resource for performers and librarians world wide. Contributors include Major conservatories and music libraries and institutions including the Eastman Library...
by Kenneth Woods | Apr 15, 2011 | A view from the podium
Hello Vftp friends and fans: First- the final installment of our top 20 of conducting is done and will go up soon. Apologies for the delay. It has been a very, very hectic and intense couple of weeks at Vftp Intl Road Headquarters. This time last week, I was putting...
by Kenneth Woods | Apr 14, 2011 | A view from the podium
You are never too important to carry bags! Peter Davison, Artistic Consultant to The Bridgewater hall explains why he started a small festival in Birkenhead and how it has affected his work in Manchester As Artistic Consultant at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, you...
by Kenneth Woods | Apr 7, 2011 | A view from the podium
“The Mahler is a joy from start to finish” Colin Anderson, International Record Review My colleague David Curtis’ disc of the Erwin Stein version of Mahler 4 gets a lovely and well-deserved write up in International Record Review this month from...
by Kenneth Woods | Apr 4, 2011 | Mahler, Mahler- Performer's Perspective
Guest blogger Peter Davison will be a symposium speaker at the 29th annual Colorado MahlerFest on Saturday the 21st of May. The MahlerFest Orchestra will be performing Mahler’s 7th Symphony under their newly-appointed Artistic Director Kenneth woods on...
by Kenneth Woods | Apr 4, 2011 | A view from the podium
Welcome back to our survey of the Real Top 20 Conductors. We are down to our final five spots, and making the final decisions about who is in and who is out is getting ever more fraught. No matter how you cut it, this is a silly exercise- what could be more impossible...
by Kenneth Woods | Mar 28, 2011 | A view from the podium, Lists
Before unveiling the hotly anticipated final 5 of our “Real” Top 20 Conductors, I thought it might be interesting to, er, milk the moment with a little divertimento or two. Regular Vftp contributor Peter Davison beat me to the punch on one topic: “There’s...
by Kenneth Woods | Mar 26, 2011 | A view from the podium, Lists
Part three of our survey of the real 20 greatest conductors of all time is now ready. Part one is here, part two is here. We hope that you will appreciate the many careful minutes of preparation and consideration that went into this list, and the dozens of...
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