T.D.

Some contemporary classical pieces come to mind, but the "famous" stip DQ's them. Composers like Ligeti, Xenakis and Scelsi, but they're subject to the "audience can't tell whether the piece is played correctly" objection... I've gotta believe that Morton "It's too fucking loud, and it's too fucking fast!" Feldman's music is very difficult to play. I'm not a fan of the "New Complexity" school (Brian Ferneyhough is chief exponent), which is by definition fiercely difficult (back when I read Usenet newsgroups, someone on r.m.c.c. called NC "the reductio ad absurdum of the Second Viennese School"). A musician advocate (Carl Rosman) once told me that when a performer is able to overcome the difficulties, playing NC music becomes joyful. But the only time I ever heard that is on the Nieuw Ensemble's recording of Ferneyhough's La chute d'Icare; everything else just sounded like drudgery (a recording of a James Dillon solo drum piece I heard even came across as unintentionally funny). Granted, I gave up on NC pretty early and didn't listen to a great deal.

Might not have gotten paid much (being featured was likely good publicity), but I'm sure they received the clothing gratis.

Indeed. Remarkable how performances of the late quartets have changed/evolved. Sorry, can't help re. Leonard Rose (not familiar).

Haven't heard the stereo Budapest...there are so darn many good recordings of LvB SQ that I'd rather not double up on any particular ensemble. Relative to the earlier mono set, I'd expect better sonics but more intonation issues. I have the old Vegh/Valois recordings, so am no stranger to scrappy intonation, but personally would seek to avoid intonation problems in future purchases.

+1. Best wishes.

Surely there's no "last word" on the late quartets! But I wouldn't want the Budapest 1951-52 to be my only recording of the Grosse Fugue, for instance.

The Budapest SQ Beethoven seems to be a remastering of the 1951-52 mono set. I have the earlier UA reissue* and enjoy it. I recommend it if you like "historical" recordings of that era, but I don't feel this set is the "last word" on the late quartets. [* When in print it was cheap; funny to see the high Amazon offers now that it's oop, but there'll be no takers with the Sony reissue in the pipeline.]

Under the proposed pitch clock rule, I think the answer could be zero...four "non-pitch balls" to 27 (or however many) batters, then pick each runner off first. But iirc the pitch clock was not adopted by MLB for 2018. Maybe the weird scenario could occur in the minor leagues.

Had no idea how it would turn out, but... Haydn.

Thanks, excellent article. Years ago, when I was more into contemporary classical, I regularly read NewMusicBox, but I stopped and even forgot about the site. I'll have to check it more often.

I feel strongly that fans of the classical genre are at least as judgmental!

! Desert island item.

Thanks. I just noticed this on the Falcon website. Was going to post it, but found your thread.

Will strongly consider this. I enjoyed the recent reissue on Luaka Bop (iir the label c). Disclosure: I've taken up yoga in my advancing years, and have gotten more comfortable with the "woo-woo" spiritual material than some listeners may be.

Thanks. Big fan of DuNann's work. The article seemed strangely familiar...on review I realized that I had read the original article in Stereophile!

No direct knowledge, but the NY Times ran a favorable story.

Balkan political/ethnic history is incredibly complex, with many ugly elements (e.g. Chetniks, Ustashe, various episodes of "ethnic cleansing")...I don't pretend to know enough to comment or pass judgment, and am happy to stay far removed.

The 9th.

Had to make a work trip near a rare semi-local (Kingston, NY) brick/mortar shop. Was pleasantly surprised to find the following CDs (used, very good condition):

Is Academy Records (W. 18th St., Manhattan) still worth visiting? I often shopped for classical CDs there around 20 years ago. I found a website, and Academy appears to still be in business, which surprises me considering Manhattan rents. Website claims that they buy collections, fwiw.

Latest in one of my favorite thriller series. Unfortunately, Kerr recently passed away, so it's also likely the last. Guilty pleasure, I suppose, but I've long been a major fan of Estleman. Detroit-themed material, that is; never tried the Westerns and others.

That's the eternal dilemma I wrestle with re. Wagner... Glad you enjoyed it.

Teddy Kotick is the "Unknown Jazz Musician" of Hod O'Brien's tune and album Fanfare (for the Unknown Jazz Musician). Japanese release, worth a listen if you like O'Brien.

Good luck. I agree that a staged version would be preferable, but that's probably a rare event in your area. I've attended two complete live Ring cycles. Probably too late, but it might be useful to acquire a libretto and read it before going (could also bring it to the event).