Classical Links x 3

Here's a substantial story from The Observer (UK) about El Sistema, the Venezuelan youth orchestra movement. (linked by classical writer/blogger Jessica Duchen.) Gustavo Dudamel, the dynamic young guy poised to take over the LA Philharmonic, came up through its ranks; the article's half about him and half about the huge number of other young Venezuelans affected, often dramatically, by their involvement. Worth reading, and a good reminder that involvement in the arts can actually have a tangible impact.

If you're not yet reading the blog by Tim Mangan, the classical critic for the Orange County Register, I recommend that you start. He reviews a Spanish-flavored Hollywood Bowl concert this week and uses it to argue persuasively for the value of the "light classics," which he notes have been "going the way of sitcoms, newspapers and bees." It's nice to see a few thoughtful words extended to Emmanuel Chabrier's "España" rhapsody; as Mangan says, it's more sophisticated than classical-minded people give it credit for, and it's an attractive introduction to orchestral music for people who aren't inclined to head straight for the 40-minute symphonies.

(That said, I haven't listened to Chabrier's "España" for a long, long time now, since all the tunes in it can get annoying after a while. I still love this Cincinnati Pops CD it's included on, though, one of the early purchases from my classical-listening days.)

I also heartily recommend CSO Bass Blog, written by Michael Hovnanian, one of the double-bassists in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Seems like a down-to-earth and honest account of life as an orchestra musician.