Not long ago I read several informal opinions on the presentation of Philip Glass‘ opera, Satyagraha, by the Metropolitan Opera. I say informal opinions because these were short comments on a handful of social media sites rather than actual critical reviews or articles. I mention this because I was struck by the somewhat intemperate tone taken by the writers of these messages; it is clear that the writers were not best pleased with either the production or the work itself, and in one case the writer was distressed by …

 
I recently saw an interview with the late film director Sidney Lumet, in which he made the following statement—”All good work is self-revelation.” He was speaking in the context of discussing how he grew from being an actor himself to a notable director of such films as Dog Day Afternoon, Network, and 12 Angry Men. For my part, I see his point in the number of films he made that almost use his beloved New York City as a character itself, but I am less sure about the connection he …

It seems my secret is out at last. Having worked on Los Fantasmas de la Plaza Mayor for more years than I care to admit, I finally wrestled it into discernible shape. Now, ’tis true that that shape is twenty-four minutes long and comprises four sections without discernible breaks, but I have to confess that I have been somewhat surprised at its reception in some quarters. I will confess in advance that some friends and acquaintances have mentioned its “powerful architecture,” “masterly orchestration”, and fine handling of thematic material, but it is …