[Concerts: previews / reviews]

Philharmonie de Paris opens.

NYT weighs in here.

Looks like a pretty incredible performance space, vineyard-style seating with pods / sections drooping all around the stage as if from a Dali painting.

The hall's not yet finished, so final verdict is a ways off, but the initial response of the above critic certainly seems positive. And the orchestra apparently gave the place a pretty good workout on opening night.

EDIT: The Guardian agrees.

[2014-15 college bowl games]

Forgive me. I didn't pour over your every word and so missed your sensitivities on the matter of being called a Winston fanboy, which you are.

But now that you've sidestepped my post pointing out exactly what I did say about Winston (contrary to what you misquote, mischaracterize and generally misstate what I've said for your own rhetorical purposes), and have descended into character assassination -- specifically, to be clear, insinuating that I'm a racist -- you're on your own.

See you in the funny pages.

[2014-15 college bowl games]

Fanboy.

Learn the difference.

Your implication that the term is racist is ill-informed (no surprise) and a feeble effort at race-baiting, which you've attempted before in this thread.

Nice try. (not really)

Enjoy

[2014-15 college bowl games]

I've said, repeatedly, Winston has the talent, but his performance dropped off this year despite having what his coach called the best team he's ever had, and he has some obvious character / leadership issues.

Judging by head to head results, you could make the argument, obviously, that Mariota outplayed Winston. Who's to say how bad the Buckeyes would have wiped the floor with Winston. He may have been picked off half a dozen times and lost by 40 points (kinda like he did to the Ducks).

Difference between you and me is that I'm not a fanboy. But don't let facts get in your way. You go ahead and keep carrying Winston's jock.

[2014-15 college bowl games]

... You were so eager to show how stellar Mariota was and what a bum Winston was, you went overboard and lost all objectivity. We all got to see his flaws and weaknesses in this game. When you make the pronouncements about how much better he is than Winston, remember to compare what their teams achieved. Winston, unlike Mariota led his team to two undefeated regular seasons. He also led his team to a national championship, which Mariota was unable to do.

Oh man. I never said Winston was a bum. In fact, I said -- repeatedly -- he had the more NFL-ready skill set. I said I hoped he makes it in the NFL. I said he had the potential to become a great leader.

I also said he is not that now. That he has some obvious character/leadership issues, a "fact" you choose to ignore. He had an obvious falloff in his play this year, shown by his stats. A "fact" you choose to waive off as the result of having less talent around him -- a notion Jimbo Fisher disagrees with, as he repeatedly said this was the best team he's ever had.

I didn't see Mariota get in the head coach's face and yell at him on the sideline and throw a temper tantrum last night when things weren't going well.

I did notice he does not appear to have anywhere close the talent that Winston has. So I stand corrected there.

Clear enough for you? Or can I expect more mischaracterizations of what I've said? Because Oregon lost to Ohio State, which obviously means Winston is a great quarterback. Except that Oregon wiped the floor with FSU, so Ohio State would have likely demolished them, and Winston would be perceived as ... what?

And yet we heard these same criticisms about the quarterbacks you mention. These same lines come up EVERY TIME a black quarterback comes along. But I'm the one with the knee-jerk reaction...

I can't speak for the human race. Just myself.

[2014-15 college bowl games]

Which still means dick. Should I be shocked that most people dislike a flamboyant black quarterback in this country? We see the same arguments come up whenever a black quarterback comes along. Lazy, stupid, character issues, even "not the right kind of guy". Christ, I was surprised 'uppity' didn't make an appearance. I'll admit, I don't follow college football, and I know zip point shit about this guy, his play, the rape charges, or anything else; maybe this time all the cliches are correct. I don't know. But it'll take a hell of a lot more than "most people think" to convince me.

Being a quarterback requires more than being able to throw a football through the middle of a tire from 20 yards away. Successful quarterbacks seem to share some common traits, generally rolled up under the broad category known as "leadership."

There have been plenty of great black quarterbacks in both college and the pros who have had all the characteristics you'd ever want in a QB: Doug Williams, Warren Moon, Donovan McNabb, the Seahawks' Russell Wilson today (one of the top QBs in the league, IMO).

Could Winston develop into a great leader? Sure. Does he demonstrate all those characteristics now? Nope.

This knee-jerk reaction to any criticism of anyone who happens to be black seems somewhat -- jaundiced.

IMO, etc.

[Concerts: previews / reviews]

I see my little concert thread is generating lots of interest ....

Went to a performance this afternoon by the Sarasota Orchestra led by conductor/music director Anu Tali, in her first full season leading the orchestra.

Program:
Strauss -- Death and Transfiguration
Mozart -- Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major (Tamara Stefanovich, piano)
Tchaikovsky -- Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture
Ravel -- Suite No. 2 from Daphnis et Chloe


The opening piece -- Death and Transfiguration -- was certainly played beautifully by the orchestra, but it begins so gently that it was a bit hard to grab hold of with the audience still settling in and rustling around a little bit. (The patrons here are probably even older on average than your typical classical concert audience because of the large retiree population here. Upper respiratory issues seem to be not uncommon).

The piano concerto was delivered skillfully in the very capable hands of Stefanovich, with the orchestra parred down to near chamber size. It's a piece that allows a skilled pianist to show their stuff, and Stefanovich certainly did that.

The Romeo and Juliet overture was fine, but felt perfunctory somehow. Beautiful music played with sensitivity, but nothing really stood out.

The highlight for me was the Ravel, with full orchestra of about 90 strong navigating the shifting tempos with aplomb. Various sections of the orchestra each took their moment to shine, which I really enjoyed. The orchestra really played with assurance and muscle here. The audience that rustled a bit through Strauss was transfixed here.

We're fortunate to have Tali leading the orchestra. She replaced a music director who had been at the helm for about 15 years.

Overall a solid B+ performance, elevated by both the Mozart concerto and the Ravel.

The theme of the concert, for those who haven't detected it yet from the pieces, was "In Love." All three performances were sold out, which is nice. Sat near the rear, center and the orchestra sounded great. Much more balanced than a previous concert where I was off to the right so that the cellos kind of had their backs to me, and so were somewhat lost to me. Center = better.

[2014-15 college bowl games]

Read my post again. I didn't misquote you. I said you were contradicting false claims made on this thread. I didn't say you made this particular claim.

For the last time, he was handicapped by 7 players from last year going to the NFL. That means blue-chip players, not just regular starters. That kind of attrition affects any team.

Well, the implication appeared to be that I was contradicting myself, otherwise what's the point of quoting me then using someone else's quotes to point out a contradiction?

Anyways, we'll see about Winston. I'm sure he'll go high in the draft and have every opportunity to prove himself.

[2014-15 college bowl games]

"Lots of guys "work hard" on the football field. I'm sure he does, too." This is a direct contradiction to false claims made on this thread, remember "I don't think he works as hard as you obviously do" and "I think he's just got enough natural talent that superseded his need to work hard".

There are many football related claims about him here that we obviously disagree about. I could address them one by one, but what would be the point. Just remember what was said here when Winston is drafted #1 and Mariota is drafted considerably lower.

FWIW, I don't think I said either of those two things you quoted. You're misquoting me in trying to rebut what I said.

My contention is that his decision-making is immature, both on-field and off. The latter seems obvious. The former is borne out by the falloff in his play this past season despite being surrounded by some of the best talent in the country.

He's got a great arm, talent, I'm sure works hard, but you have to assess the whole package. And he ain't that. That's all.

As far as Winston leading them to an undefeated season this past year, he didn't play in the Clemson game (despite showing up on the sidelines in full gear while being suspended). The backup QB played that game, so ... The backup's undefeated this season! Must be a No. 1 pick?

[2014-15 college bowl games]

What secret knowledge are you privy to about his work habits? Obviously, you know something his coaches, teammates, scouts and scribes covering this team don't. I'm not the one saying he works hard. The people he works with are saying it. Yet you contend that you know better than all of them. Your claim is totally unsubstantiated.

This bum isn't smart enough to lead an NCAA football team to two back-to-back undefeated seasons and a national championship. Hell, it doesn't take hard work to lead 10 men to do that, only natural talent. Where does that natural talent come from? And to think he did that making bad decisions all the way. I guess he's just a stupid, lazy bum that got lucky.

It's not a zero-sum game. He's not either a genius or an idiot. You've erected a straw horse.

Lots of guys "work hard" on the football field. I'm sure he does, too.

The practice field was his refuge, we kept hearing. A refuge from what? You evaluate the whole guy, not just the talent in his arm.

And again, some of his stats this year point to a significant falloff in his play. And FSU loses talented players every year, so your argument that his drop in play was the direct result of a falloff in talent around him doesn't really wash. He had one of the most talented receivers in college football to throw to in senior Rashad Greene.

From the Seminoles' own website, talking about Greene:

Without a doubt one of the nation’s top wide receivers and the veteran leader of Florida State’s high-powered offense. All-America and Biletnikoff Award candidate who has led FSU in receiving for three straight years. Intelligent and speedy receiver with no flaws in his game.

Plus reliable Nick O'Leary. Plus ....

He wasn't surrounded by a bunch of slouches, rather, some of the top talent in the country. How often did I hear Fisher say this one one of the best teams he's ever had at FSU?

I do hope the kid finds success.

[2014-15 college bowl games]

ditto

[2014-15 college bowl games]

As for your example of him being prone to making bad decisions and being selfish (and I'm addressing football here, since you said both on the field and off). You cited one example, which I don't agree with, BTW, and ignore all the good decisions he made for twenty-six straight games. Talk about picking nits, that's just silly.

Hey, you don't like the guy. I get it. But don't just make stuff up and try to make it fit through the prism of your biased perceptions. Please understand, I am not and never have been an FSU fan. I'm only trying to be objective about who I think is the best college football player in the country.

If you just look at the drop off in his stats you'll see he went from 40 TDs and 10 INTs in 2013 (excellent) to 25 TDs and 18 INTs in 2014 (average). That's not a "bias" or "making stuff up." That's a fact. And those numbers clearly call into question his decision-making on the field. He also tends to allow his frustrations get the better of him and throw temper tantrums on the sidelines when things don't go his way. Another negative check in the maturity column.

Already said he has a great arm and played in a pro-style offense, so he has the advantage of familiarity with the NFL system. But if an NFL team determines another QB has the talent and smarts to adjust to a pro-style offense, they may opt for the latter.

I hope the guy gets his head straight, matures, stops getting himself in off-field situations that belie his immaturity and finds success at the next level. I'm just not sure I'd bet my first-round pick on it.

[2014-15 college bowl games]

And I should add, the recent bad behaviors of some NFL players that came to light this past season and became a huge issue for the league, will likely weigh against Winston when he's being evaluated by NFL franchises thinking about drafting him.

As they say, you don't want the face of your franchise to be a mug shot.

[2014-15 college bowl games]

Jameis Winston's dad said today that his son was entering the 2015 NFL draft. We are about to see what objective NFL owners and scouts think of him. I'll bet dollars to donuts he'll be drafted ahead of Mariota. In fact, I bet he will be the number one, overall, selection. Remember the comments here; "Winston's not in the same league as Mariota, as a football player or a leader. He'll too often look to make the selfish play so he can show off his arm rather than make the right play", and all the other negativity about him. You're going to find out how wrong you are. I know many of you love Mariota and pulled for him because he appears to be the opposite of Winston, character wise. But I'm telling you that Mariota, god bless him, can't carry Winston's shoes as a quarterback. You'll see.

To clarify, since you're quoting me, I also said Winston has the more NFL-ready arm. I've said that he can make the NFL-type reads and throw into tight windows where the receiver is going to be -- throw them open, in other words -- rather than just throw to open receivers, which a lot of college QBs do well.

That "talent" doesn't override the sense I have that he is prone to making bad decisions (both on and off the field), selfish decisions. (Sticking to football, I offered as an example his not pitching the ball to an open back, choosing instead to try to get the TD for himself in the semifinal.)

It's one thing to have talent, it's another to make the right choices -- on the field and in life. If he had a level head on his shoulders, which he clearly does not at this point, he would without doubt be a better pick than Mariota. But seems to me Mariota is much more mature in his decision-making, which is the key in the NFL. And life.

The alleged victim is suing the school. I can't imagine someone pursing this legal case if she wasn't convinced she was assaulted and kicked to the curb by the powers that be in Tallahassee.

[8th grade History test]

I screwed up a couple of answers, distracted by that girl staring at me from the back row.

25/30.

Back to 8th grade for me.

[2014-15 college bowl games]

My issue with FSU -- putting aside their up and down play all year, which left them highly suspect -- is basically that not just Winston, but the whole program embodies and promotes even crafts the kind of self-centered, immature athlete so typical today.

Just noticed this - Jesus Christ paps, the whole program "crafts" these players? Do you really think they've coached Winston to try to score on his own instead of making that pitch?

The NYT series on how the Tallahassee police have dealt with football players' misbehavior was an eye opener and pissed the hell out of me, but that's the cops doing these things, not the program. Did the program make it happen? No, too many parts of society coddle athletes in too many ways.

And if by chance you are only referring to self-centeredness or immaturity on the field, I'm pretty sure the team doesn't spend a lot of time encouraging that.

Well, perhaps I overstated things a wee bit. I would hope they coached him to make the pitch, but he didn't.

Kind of like they told him he was suspended for a game, and he showed up on the sidelines in full gear (causing Fisher to throw his hands up in a WTF gesture that tells me, the "coaching" isn't getting through, in some important ways).

Fisher chose the path of positive reinforcement / promotion for his star athlete, rather than take another path. I can't imagine a Bear Bryant, for instance, taking the crap that Fisher did from this kid.

I agree that too many parts of society coddle athletes, but the athletic departments, alumni, etc., are part of that machine. Maybe the driving force.

Just seems to me these big-time programs put wins before education. That hardly even needs to be stated, but you get what you pay for (figuratively, and in some cases literally).

Maybe I'm naive in thinking it should be the other way around. There seems to have been ample opportunity for "education" in the case of Winston.

Let me ask you this. If you're an NFL team (say, the Bucs) would you draft the guy?

He can already make the NFL throw, through tight windows to the spot where the receiver is going to be -- throwing the receiver open rather than throwing to an open receiver, as it were, which is one of the main adjustments from college to the NFL. He's a more "pro-ready" passer than Mariota, I think. Yet, what's going to happen when you put millions of dollars in his pocket and let him loose?

[2014-15 college bowl games]

Go Army

[2014-15 college bowl games]

Yeah, and it has been kind of a one-sided deal lately, with Navy ripping off something like 7 straight, there's still something about it.

Likewise Ivy League games. Student athletes. Not athletes that are stopping off at a big time college to burnish their skills for the pros.

Anyways, probably being too harsh on old FSU. Miami, after all, was a far worse offender back in the day.

But the whole trend of elevating these kids for their prowess on the football field above all else (like getting an education, for instance) just sours me a little. (Plus nobody tackles anymore. There's that, too).

They now have high school bowl games here in Florida where they invite state champions from other states to come and play our big time high school programs.

It's all a bit much. I wouldn't pay attention, but I kind of have to for my job. Maybe that's part of it, too. I'm just burning out on football period.

Pitchers and catchers report in, what, about a month?

[2014-15 college bowl games]

I should say, this hasn't always been the case at FSU -- seek Derrick Brooks, Warrick Dunn, etc. And I'm sure there are plenty of fine fellows on the team. But I really think that program should have, or could have, taken a more responsible stand with Winston. Any other student would have been kicked out of school for some of the shit he pulled (and not just talking about the alleged assault).

Remember that kid who ran out on the field during an Ohio State game and was body slammed by the strength coach? Kicked out of school within days.

[2014-15 college bowl games]

My issue with FSU -- putting aside their up and down play all year, which left them highly suspect -- is basically that not just Winston, but the whole program embodies and promotes even crafts the kind of self-centered, immature athlete so typical today.

This athlete is not just all too common in major college athletics but in sports in general. Elite athletes today are coddled and given a pass for their behavior from a very young age. They are surrounded by enablers, not teachers and mentors.

Fisher, while his intentions may have been good, the result speaks for itself and you're left with a cry baby QB yelling at you on the sideline when things aren't going his way. And Winston's not alone. Hardly. Look at the Ohio State QB, who tweeted something to the effect of "why should we even have to go to class? It's a waste of time."

I frankly get more enjoyment out of something like the Army - Navy game, where you know these "men" are for real, than I do high-level college football, where the athletes are all too often all about themselves. Heck, we don't even expect them to finish college anymore.

If Winston would have pitched the ball on that fourth down play right before the half (I think), it was a touchdown. The running back was wide open and likely would have trotted into the end zone. But he didn't pitch the ball. Why not? I'll let you figure that one out.

[Kempe's "Zarathustra"]

Thanks for your thoughts on that Larry. By happenstance, I had just listened to the Reiner a day or two before you posted this, and so listened to the Kempe last night to its conclusion. Having only listened to each performance once (the Reiner box just arrived recently), I don't yet have a strong sense of either. But subsequent reading reveals Kempe and the Staatskapelle Dresden were the go-to band for Strauss (I'm sure a well-known fact to you and others). And this recording in particular seems to be included in this EMI box set, which can be had for a pretty good price from third-party sellers.

Comments from Classic Net on this piece:

Kempe makes Zarathustra into a sensuous feast characterized by kaleidoscopic orchestral colors and an enormously wide dynamic range. The Dresden strings really outdo themselves here – rich and mellow in the "Underworld" section, powerful and dramatic in "Of the Great Yearning", and searingly beautiful in "Of Joys and Passions". Equally remarkable is Kempe's unerring sense of drama and his ability to build and sustain a mood. From the brilliant sunrise opening to the mystical and hushed conclusion, this performance grabs your attention immediately and never once lets it go. On records, only Reiner and Koussevitzky have equalled this performance – and all three belong in your collection.

[2014-15 college bowl games]

What a debacle for FSU. All those turnovers, losing by 39 points, the QB gets in a shouting match with the head coach, and more than half the team (3/4 ?) fails to come out and offer a handshake after the game.

FSU shouldn't have been in the playoff mix, IMO. I kept hoping week after week they'd drop a game and we'd be done with them. Nope.

Winston's not in the same league as Mariota, as a football player or a leader. He'll too often look to make the selfish play so he can show off his arm rather than make the right play.

And as far as what's between the ears, Jimbo Fisher and the entire school cut that kid way too much slack. Nothing new in college football, I know. But they took it to a whole other level. (He's suspended for a half. No wait. The public's pissed. He's suspended for a whole game. No wait, here he is on the sideline in full gear ready to go -- cause he's, I dunno, all about himself?)

The SEC did take it on the chin this year. It's good for college football that other conferences have caught up. The Big 10 is underrated, turns out (partly because of Michigan). And the Pac 12 is looking like the best conference in the country now, top to bottom (or at least, top to middle of the pack).

Two big takeaways from this bowl season:

1) There have been more than a few really uncompetitive games. Flat out mismatches. Even some of the games where the final score looks fairly close weren't competitive. A product of too many damn bowl games maybe.

2) As alluded to above, somebody has to teach these kids how to tackle again. Lost art. Way too often you'd see a ballcarrier get hit -- maybe even in the backfield -- and he would bounce off one defender after another for 10, 15, 20, 50 yards or more, defensive players flopping all over the place and pawing at the ball. I saw very few good defenses this bowl season. Very few.

And as the old saying goes, defense wins championships. ... Advantage, Buckeyes?

[What music did you buy today?]

Some Wagner orchestral works:

Wagner -- Symphony in C / Siegfried-Idyll, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra (Berlin Classics)

Wagner -- Orchestral Music, Karajan with the Berlin Philharmonic (EMI)

(select preludes and overtures)

[2014-15 college bowl games]

I miss the "tackle" part of tackle football.

[Concerts: previews / reviews]

I have some lined up this winter. Perhaps others might like to comment on concerts, festivals, operas, etc., that they are either planning to attend, or have recently attended, with their observations, impressions, etc.

The biggies this winter for me are as follows:

Jan. 29:

New York Philharmonic with Emanuel Ax, piano; David Robertson, conductor; Avery Fisher Hall

Rachmaninoff -- Vocalise
Chopin -- Piano Concerto No.2
Stravinsky -- The Song of the Nightingale
Bartok -- The Miraculous Mandarin Suite

Jan 30:
Chicago Symphony Orchestra; Riccardo Muti, conductor; Carnegie Hall

Mendelssohn -- Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage Overture
Debussy -- La Mer
Scriabin -- Symphony No.3, "The Divine Poem"

Friday Feb. 27:

Cleveland Orchestra -- Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami

Beethoven Symphony No. 3, ("Eroica")

Shostakovich Symphony No. 6

Saturday Feb. 28:
Cleveland Orchestra -- Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami

Beethoven Symphony No. 5
Shostakovich Symphony No. 10

These are the out of town concerts I've got tickets for so far. I'm particularly looking forward to the NYPO and Ax with the Chopin piece. I toyed with the idea of taking Amtrack down to Philadelphia while I'm in New York to see the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Kimmel Center, but didn't want to push it.

Also have tickets for a bunch of stuff locally after the new year, which I'll chime in with as they occur (if anyone shows any interest here). Among those I'm looking forward to are two string quarter performances at the Sarasota Opera House that are part of La Music Festival, which takes place here each spring.