Correct me if I'm wrong, but this doesn't seem to be a golden age of music criticism. It seems to have all but disappeared from the daily papers and what remains isn't of the highest quality. Andrew Clements, the Guardian's critic, is (imo) not qualified to do his job.
Music Critics
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Originally posted by Conchis View PostCorrect me if I'm wrong, but this doesn't seem to be a golden age of music criticism. It seems to have all but disappeared from the daily papers and what remains isn't of the highest quality. Andrew Clements, the Guardian's critic, is (imo) not qualified to do his job.
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Originally posted by Conchis View PostCorrect me if I'm wrong, but this doesn't seem to be a golden age of music criticism. It seems to have all but disappeared from the daily papers and what remains isn't of the highest quality. Andrew Clements, the Guardian's critic, is (imo) not qualified to do his job.
5:4 - A blog devoted to the most interesting, innovative and impressive music of our time - "It's the most beautiful ugly sound in the world"
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Originally posted by Richard Barrett View PostI did indeed write to his editor (and to Ivan Hewett's) in similar terms in 2009, but he's still there! I disagree that this isn't a golden age though; it's just that most of the interesting music criticism these days is coming from bloggers who are generally better-informed than the "professionals" and write with more genuine interest and commitment on their enthusiasms than the hacks ever did. Regarding contemporary music these are to be recommended especially:
5:4 - A blog devoted to the most interesting, innovative and impressive music of our time - "It's the most beautiful ugly sound in the world"
http://www.soundexpanse.com/
If ever I enjoy something, I can rest assured that Clements will write a scratchy review of it; and vice versa.
His hostility to a lot of new music gives the game away; but I suppose that's part and parcel of working to a deadline and to a strict word limit.
Yes, I agree: the bloggers aren't constrained by such things, or by the need to be 'funny'. I'll pass up Norman Lebrecht, though! :)
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Originally posted by Richard Barrett View PostRegarding contemporary music these are to be recommended especially:
5:4 - A blog devoted to the most interesting, innovative and impressive music of our time - "It's the most beautiful ugly sound in the world"
http://www.soundexpanse.com/
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Originally posted by Richard Barrett View PostDoes he ever actually say anything about music as opposed to gossip? (Not that I'm intending to trawl through his site to find out)
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It often comes down to individual taste though, doesn't it? I usually find myself in agreement with Andrew Clements, when I've heard the discs under review. The writing in this list seems unobjectionable ...
From the San Francisco SO taking Debussy to new heights to the BBC Philharmonic revitalising Aaron Copland, there were some towering performances laid down for posterity this year
...of the ones I heard, the Debussy and Abrahamsen, he seems spot-on to me.
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In the 1960s I would read reviews of Hallé concerts in The Guardian (which had capital letters in those days), written by Gerald Larner. They were mostly rather scathing, though he was clearly knowledgeable. A few hours later, I would read a review of the same concert in the Manchester Evening News, written by John Robert-Blunn, whose comments suggested every concert was the best musical event of all time.
OK, I exaggerate a little, but I wonder whether the two of them ever fought a duel.
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Originally posted by Alison View PostI used to seek out newspaper reviews but quite frankly the knowledge and insight on offer on the forum and elsewhere online rather show up the inconsequential nature of much press comment."...the isle is full of noises,
Sounds and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not.
Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments
Will hum about mine ears, and sometime voices..."
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Originally posted by Caliban View PostSame here
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