Music (2 cents)

MUSIC:

I recently attended two musical performances.

The Washington National Opera is performing "Sophie's Choice", Nicholas Maw's controversial opera, based on William Styron's book. The 3 (formerly 4) hour opera has received reviews which I would characterize as good if you like this kind of thing. At the Kennedy Center Millenium Stage, the opera company puts on, with respect to each opera, a talk back with musical selections. I went last Monday evening to learn a little more about Sophie's Choice.

I have not read the book. I saw the movie, and did not like it. It is not that I didn't like the cinematography or the acting; I did. I didn't like the story. I found it extraordinarily manipulative. Any story which has the heroine having to decide which of her children to save and which to let go to the gas chambers is, by its very nature, manipulative. And, I think that there are enough real Holocaust stories, that you don't need to sweeten the pot with made up ones.

But I was intrigued by the opera, and wanted to learn more. The talk back featured three of the leading performers, including Angelika Kirschlager, who sings the role of Sophie, Dale Duesing (the narrator) and I believe Rod Gilfrey, who sings Nathan. They were all in the British production, which was the world premier. The fourth participant was Marin Alsop, newly appointed director of the Baltimore Symphony.

The conversation was fascinating. What it is like to play in a show this emotional. What it was like taking a four hour opera and condensing it to three. What were the differences in the London production, with a complicated set and 17 costume changes for Sophie, compared to the Kennedy Center production with a minimalized set. The difficulties of singing such a complicated musical score. And the orchestra: how to keep everyone together and on cue with a score that the musicians are not familiar with, and which has no regular rhythmic structure. How to keep the orchestra from overwhelming the voices.

The two pieces which were part of this talk-back were sung by understudies, and young artists, and they were terrific. And the talk back conversation was, I thought, extraordinary. These were four very able speakers, who seemed to be willing to share very much about their own feelings towards the script and towards each other with the audience. It is too bad that it won't be repeated, and was not (I don't think) recorded.

On Tuesday, I went back to Epiphany Church for what I hoped would be an enjoyable cello and piano concert, the cellist being John Kaboff and the pianist David Kosutic, both locally based teacher/performers. Disappointment. In part it was the selection, I think. An Adagio and Allegro by Schumann and the Sonata in G minor by Chopin, neither of which I am familiar with (is that the problem?), and neither of which seemed particularly memorable. But more than that it was the cello tone, and what I perceived as a lack of true sympatico between the musicians. The last piece was an excerpt from Ernst Bloch's Baal Shem Suite, again something I am not familiar with, but it did nothing for me.

You regular readers may recall a concert by Kaboff last year at the Andersen House. What did I say there? I said that the pieces were unfamiliar to me and that the musicianship, while competent, was not star quality. I guess I skip the next Kaboff concert. How will I ever remember?

This Morning, I heard..... (4 cents)

First, something to give me concern about the Redskins. One of their receivers was being interviewed on TV and was asked how he thought the team would do on Sunday. His answer was "we'll step up to the plate". I don't think they are ready for prime time. (By the way, with a 4:00 p.m. Sunday game, they are running smack into EDT and CDT Kol Nidre - bad planning)

Second, the Orioles beat the Yankees on a one-hitter. Pitcher Daniel Cabrera said: "I thank God for looking out for me and bringing me this close to a no-hitter". That's looking at the glass half full.

Third, the C-Span call in guest this morning was roundly criticized by a caller for referring to Bill Clinton as "President" Clinton. Only GB is president, she was told. So, she corrected herself and later referred to John F. Kennedy simply as "Kennedy". The C-Span call in guest this morning was roundly criticized by a caller for referring to "President" Kennedy, simply as Kennedy.

Finally, a White House spokesperson, talking about recent reports from Jack Abramoff about his administration contacts, said that she was surprised that the media paid attention to any of this. She said (and I paraphrase): how can the media pay attention to something that a liar says about what goes on within the White House? Now, there's a question.

Why are the fruit trees blossoming (21 cents)

The fruit trees on Connecticut Avenue just south of Yuma Street are in blossom. It is September 27. Global warming?

Only the Good Die Young (2 cents)

I go to a new doctor for a physical. I am led into a room, and told to wait for my blood test and EKG. It is a typical doctor's office room. There is music coming through a wall speaker. The song is "Only the Good Die Young". I think I may be in the wrong place.

My Two Commentors

I like getting comments, and usually don't think that they need a response, but the two comments I received on my posting about Hugo Chavez and Noam Chonsky must be answered.

First, to Francmasse: My short blog was not meant to be a detailed socio-political analysis, but rather a little satire or comedy. Francmasse appears not to be able to recognize either. It is a little odd, isn't it Francmasse, that someone who is so anti-American and anti-Jewish proves his position by citing an American Jew? No irony there? It happens all the time, largely because Jews are not monolithic and have opinions of all varieties, and because they often tend not to be shy about expressing them.

As to the contents of what Chomsky says, this was not the subject of the posting. I don't think you can read my post and learn whether or not I am a Chomsky expert, or someone who never heard of him, or what I think of his opinions. As a matter of fact, I agree with a large amount of what Chomsky says. Unfortunately, he is a pedant and like most pedants (even brilliant ones), he often appears only to see one side of many sided issues.

As to Shahidon, who seems to believe that I am hopelessly immature for not realizing that people don't have to be anti-Jewish to be anti-Israel, in fact I usually argue that side of the position; I believe there are many people who detest Israeli policies (as they understand them), and who have nothing against Jews or Judaism, and may not even know anything about Judaism.

But, Shahidon, your views are misplaced when it comes to Chavez. Far from limiting his comments to Israeli policy, Chavez in building his populist image in Venezuela has lashed out against those elements of the Venezuelan population which he views to be too liberal, too internationalist, too wealthy and too intellectual and, as a part of this, he has singled out Jews and Jewish organizations for unbelievably harsh treatment. He is playing the old political game of trying to build anti-Jewish feelings amongst the people as a way of identifying an evil to be drive out of the country. Before you throw around your criticism, Shahidon, do a little research. Any of the major publications which cover Venezuela will support what I say.

N for Neatness (4 cents)

Yesterday, we had ten for dinner. Today, we are having 8. After clearing the table yesterday, I saw that the tablecloth was perfectly clean; we can use it again today. This is a first. Our guests get a "N" for neatness.

He Take Me Money and Run Venezuela (one cent)

Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez apparently does not like the United States and does not like Jews. He thinks that they are evil and, to prove his point, he says that everybody should read "Hegemony or Survival" by Noam Chomsky. Who is Noam Chomsky? An American Jew.

Go figure.

Burma/Myanmar

It appears that the protestors who are railing against the lack of democracy and respect for human rights in the country that calls itself Myanmar, are in fact referring to the nation by its old name of Burma. An interesting observation, to be sure, and I should learn more about the underlying nuances involved.

But, before I expand my knowledge on the subject, I have some thoughts for the protestors. The signs and placards that I have seen have been too commonplace. How about something like:

Tie the tyrants

By their feet

Drag the tyrants

Through the street.

Burma. Save.

Efficiency

I am currently writing with my Ukrainian pen, which is a ball point pen encased in handpainted wood, with a whistle at the back end.

What efficiency. Normally, I need to carry my pen, my work of art, and my whistle separately. They take up so much room, I don't normally have space for keys or wallet. Now, my mobile storage problem has been solved, thanks to Ukrainian ingenuity.

Our Next Seder (20 cents)

Although it is not yet Rosh Hashanah, I am already planning our next seder. We are going to invite the John Kerrys, the Wesley Clarks, the Madeleine Albrights, and now the George Allens. We are going to put an extra cup on the table for Katherine Graham.

By the way, what are the 3 stages of adulthood?

First, when you hope that Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur will fall on weekdays, so you can miss work.

Second, when you hope that they fall on weekends, so you don't have to miss work.

Third, when you don't care where they fall, because you really don't pay enough attention to work to care if you miss it or not.

Can't Sleep? (one cent)

Heard on the radio this morning:

Do you have trouble falling asleep? Wake up in the middle of the night? Wake up too early in the morning?

If so, there is a chance that you might be suffering from.........

insomnia.

(I'd say 100%)

I Gotta Get More Regular (11 cents)

I need to post every day, even if only a little.

Well, I am watching Cable Channel 147, country music videos, and just heard an advertisement to enlist in the Army Reserve (Reserve enlistment ads run pretty regularly on this station). If you join, you will get first class training, be able to continue your education, serve close to home (except when called up to serve your country). And, if you enlist now, you get a free sports watch. Scouts honor.

Today was a beautiful late summer Sunday, perfect for all sorts of activities. So, what did about 175 people do at 3 p.m. this afternoon? They packed the community room at the DC Jewish Community Center to hear Rebecca Goldstein give a lecture on Spinoza. Goldstein's new book, Uncovering Spinoza, has just been issued, and she spoke for about 45 minutes. What a good talk. And, you will be able to see it soon on C-Span's Book TV.

Spinoza as the ultimate rationalist and logician. Basing his theory on Euclidian mathematics, he believed that everything could be demonstrated a priori, by the use of reason, and that religious ritual and superstition was harmful, not helpful. He was excommunicated for life by the Amsterdam Jewish community when he was 23 years old. He was a universalist, very conflict adverse, yet the cause of extraordinary conflicts. He was the descendant of Portuguese Marranoes and lived at the time that the newly established Jewish community in Amsterdam was trying to define itself, and its members trying to determine what it meant to be Jewish, and how they should behave.

The night before, even more people were at the Studio Theater to see a production of Red Light Winter, a three actor play. Two men, one woman, Man #1 loves woman, Woman loves Man #2, Man #2 and Man #1 are friends, but Man #2 is macho, and Man #1 nerdy. It starts in Amsterdam, when the girl is a prostitute, that #2 engages (after having his own fling with her) to bed Man #2. It ends in New York, months later, when the girl is no longer a prostitute, but a simple girl suffering from AIDS going home to her parents in Baltimore, where Man #1 still loves her, but the girls does not remember him, but she does remember Man #2 who, of course, does not remember her. The acting wa good, some of the dialogue was clever, the play moved along, but I can't say that it was profound theater.

Before the play, dinner was at Rice and, with the exception of the appetizer tempura (which was mainly fried breading), it was very good. Warm eggplant salad, rockfish steamed with ginger, and duck in a plum and ginger sauce. And good coffee.

It's really a Dud, man.

I mean "Expecting to Fly" a "sixties recogning" by Martha Tod Dudman. It is another one of those tell-all, coming of age book by a bright young woman, who talks about her adolescent experience with drugs and sex.

I had two reasons to read this one. First, because Dudman grew up in Washington DC (in fact in Cleveland Park), and I was interested in what life was like for teenagers here in the 1960s. Secondly, because her father was the Washington correspondent for the St. Louis Post Dispatch, whose articles I read growing up, and about whom I was interested to read (from his daughter's vantage point).

Well, it was not much about Richard Dudman (although it brought back memories about his being captured in Cambodia during the war), and not at all about St. Louis, which did not seem to be in Martha's consciousness. And, I guess there is some redeeming social value to the book, as she left her wasted adolescence behind and apparently became a normal wife/mother in Maine (although the book ends the summer after her first year at college). What you did see was that she began to realize that things had to change during her college years, and you could see how these new feelings began to overtake the old, giving her promise of escaping from what was most likely the deadest of dead end lives.

But was the book necessary? Probably not. And what will her children and grandchildren think when they read it?

Oh, well.

An idea for the Bush administration (3 cents)

I went to a soprano/piano concert yesterday at Epiphany Church. The performers were both Levine School faculty members with impressive resumes. When I looked at the program, I was intrigued because I had no familiarity whatsoever with the music. It was all by an American composer, now 55 years old, named Libby Larsen, and the program consisted of 17 songs (from various cycles) about the American west, a substantial number of which were based on the writing of Edith Wharton.

The soprano had a very unusual voice. It was a husky soprano voice. The pianist was terrific.

The music was very twentieth century. Which means that, on first hearing, for me it was totally meaningless. Perhaps if I heard it several times, I would feel differently, but I was quite uncomfortable throughout the concert (with only occasional moments of relief) .

How to explain it: try rap music, sung by an operatic soprano with a husky voice, with only piano accompaniment, and no rhythm at all. Does that make sense?

Then it occurred to me, and this is my idea for the Bush administration. Maybe let the prisoners sleep four or five hours in silence but otherwise play a recording of this concert (at a volume a little too loud) into each cell. Can this be criticized?

Primary Day in DC

Years ago, a candidate for mayor was tacking up his own posters in our neighborhood, wearing an "I Love Boston" shirt (we live in DC). I couldn't believe it, and told him so.

Today, driving down Connecticut Avenue, I see a man holding a very large Linda Cropp sign, wearing a New York Yankees cap.

I don't get it.

Today or, rather, Yesterday (2 cents)

1. Rock Creek Park. Traffic was very bad this morning through Rock Creek Park, although it began to move fairly well near the zoo. But then there was a major back up south of Calvert Street that did not seem to have an explanation. But, as usual, the Rock Creek commuters were all very polite to each other, allowing incoming traffic to cut in on an alternate car basis.

One disturbing item, however. Some young father had put his young son in a child's bicycle street (with helmets) and decided to take a ride down, first Broad Branch, and then Beach Avenue, through the park during rush hour. Why on earth would anyone do this on these narrow, winding, two lane roads, with no shoulders, with a young child?

Finally, the slow traffic gave me one more opportunity to ask myself whether the District (or more properly, perhaps, the U.S. Park Service)should change the sign that points to Peirce Mill, but calls it Pierce Mill, so that the spelling is correct? Which then leads to the questions (a) what is all that construction around the waterfall at Peirce Mill about, anyway?, and (b) what is going on with the mill building itself? I remember when they actually used to grind and sell corn; that was quite a treat, to see the waterwheel going, and so forth. I also remember when the art gallery was used for special exhibits, but I don't think that happens either.

2. Gas Prices. Why could it be that gas prices yesterday on Route 40 between Baltimore City and Ellicott City were about 40 cents a gallon less than gas prices in northwest DC? It can't just be the difference in applicable taxes; DC and Maryland are historically much more aligned.

3. 9/11. This is 9/11, and the 5 year anniversary of the attack. I understand remembering the attack and memorializing the victims, but can't that be done with a minute or two of silence, rather than through the monopolizing of every radio station and newscast, and a bevy of programs all around the country? The newspaper this morning listed what must have been twenty different programs here alone; and I am sure there are more.

4. Garlic. Last night I had supper with a friend at the Shanghai Garden, where the food is always good. He ordered garlic eggplant. I had some and, true to all of my recent experience, it took me hours to fall asleep. This is what garlic does to me. In reading websites about garlic and sleep, I find that while there appears to be evidence of a connection, the experts differ as to whether garlic keeps you up, or puts you to sleep. Huh?

What Took Me So Long? (12 cents)

It is now Sunday night, and I have not had an entry since last Wednesday. Not sure why. At any rate....

1. Baseball. We went to see the Nationals beat the Cardinals at a Wednesday day game. The Nats won two of the three game series, continuing to do well at home. Then, they flew to Denver and lost four straight to the Rockies, although scoring 28 runs. They gotta get their act together.

2. Art. On Thursday, I went to the National Gallery and went on the docent tour of the exhibition of Venetian Art, 1500-1530. I had been at the exhibit twice before, but for the first time realized that 1500-1530 meant just what it says: all this art was completed within a 30 year period. The tour was good because it gave a little more historical context (the build up of Venice, its wealth and art patronage, the development of large wealthy controlling families, the loss of its eastern market when Constantinople fell in 1452, the jealosy of the remainder of Italy and the formation of the Cambrai league to keep Venice from expanding inland), and described the major artists (Bellini, Georgioni, Titian). Bellini was old in 1500 (about 70), his pupil Georgioni died at a young age of the plague, etc. We learned about certain techniques (how in Venice, the artists drew outlines on the canvas, or wood, while in Florence, they drew the designs first on separate paper). We learned about the placement of characters, the direction in which they looked, curtains of honor behind the central characters, and so forth. We learned about the donors who commissioned the paintings and how they were painted in with the saints and holy family. We learned that Joseph was always painted old, so it would be clear that he could not have been the father. Unfortunately, the hour exhibit was an hour old, when the leader was only about 1/3 through the paintings and announced that he appeared to be running overtime. I left at that point, and headed back to work.

3. Books. I finally finished "Grace and Power" by Sally Bedell Smith. If you read Seymour Hersh's "The Dark Side of Camelot", this book is a good companion piece, going over much the same ground, but concentrating on Jackie as well as Jack. What a different time it was then: it would be hard to conceive of a president with as many girls and affairs as Jack had (Bill Clinton looks like a monk in comparison) today with the press remaining silent; it is impossible to imagine how much time the Kennedys spent away from the White House (together or apart): Virginia, Camp David, Europe, Hyannisport, Florida; it is impossible to imagine how much socializing they did with their friends, going to restaurants, house parties, weekend getaways, and so forth, staying out until 2 or 3 in the morning. None of this could happen today.

4. Restaurants. Another nice meal at Arucola on Wednesday, and tonight, we ate at the Double T Diner in Ellicott city, with relatives. Six people, under $100 with tip, and good food. Go figure. Not elegant, however.

Kennedy and Bernstein (2 cents)

I am reading Sally Bedell Smith's book "Grace and Power", about Jack and Jackie Kennedy, and I am sitting here looking at the PBS special on Leonard Bernstein. Needless to say, Jack Kennedy and Leonard Bernstein were both extraordinary people in a number of ways (Bernstein being the one with talent and charisma; Kennedy with power and charisma).

But what I am thinking about today is their circles of friends and acquaintences. They knew everyone who was anyone. Without exception. How different it must be to be in that position.

They interviewed Bernstein's three children (or perhaps it was three of Bernstein's children, I don't know), and they talk about growing up in the Bernstein house, where there were always talented people coming and going, and where they all were having a good (no, great) time. The Kennedy White House (and other Kennedy venues) was the same.

Thoughts of a Labor Day Weekend (12 cents)

Friday evening: delicious halibut dinner at home.

Saturday: the Paul Klee exhibit at the Phillips. The exhibit is quite extensive, and is titled "Klee in America". That's because it concentrates on the 100 or more Klee paintings in the United States. The signage unfortunately concentrated more on provenance (how that particular painting got from there to here: Klee was never in America), rather than what it was supposed to signify. How to describe the intricate, mainly line drawings? One of his American angels described it best: caricature, mysticism, and a wonderful sense of color. My wife read that, as a young man, he was a househusband. Perhaps this explains much of the childlike nature of much of his work. A few of the works are in the Phillips collection: One called "Arab Song" and one "Young Moe"; they may be the two best known works in the show. The show is about to end; the gift shop has sold out of soft cover catalogs.

Next to the Klee exhibit, there is an exhibit of children's art (American and Japanese) and a couple of works done by Klee and by Picasso when they were children. Some of this work, by very young children, is exceptional. My own artistic ability, I am happy to say, is about on a par with the five year old Klee.

We then wandered the remainder of the museum, which is extremely nice, and comfortable, as they do not overload the walls with works of art, but give each one a little breathing room. Mainly impressionist and later, we should go back more often. (But, of course, it costs)

Saturday evening: Baseball. We saw the Nats beat the Diamondbacks 5-3 in the second game of a day-night double header. The afternoon game had been postponed from a rained out Friday. The crowd was fairly spare. We liked our new center fielder, Nook Logan, who snagged a fly ball from nowhere (he did the same thing, but even more spectacularly on Sunday)

Sunday: We drove to Baltimore to see the Baltimore Antiques Show. Over 500 exhibitors. It only lasts three days. Everything for sale is of the highest quality, and priced more than accordingly. Can it be worth it to all these vendors to pack up, come, unpack, and leave for just three days? We are talking about some people with furniture; others with large amounts of crystal, glassware, china, and so forth? We bought nothing. What could we possibly need? But it was very interesting to walk around.

Sunday evening: Dinner in Little Italyin Baltimore. La Tavola. We each had opa, a Hawaiian fish, and a salad. It was not cheap, but quite good. The restaurant is very nice: dressy casual. The restaurant is dressy; the customers are casual.

We then drove a bit around Fells Point and beyond, and then Federal Hill, remarking on the differences between Baltimore and Washington, and thinking we need more driving time.

Monday: it is page to stage time at the Kennedy Center, the free readings of plays to be performed over the course of the year by theaters all over town. The Theater J play is Either/Or by Thomas Keneally of Schindler's List fame. It deals with a theological student who opposes the Nazis but joins the SS to be a "witness" after he learns that his sister in law has been murdered as being a defective. He becomes not only a witness, but a reticent participant. And then the war is open. Is he guilty of anything, or was he trying to do whatever he could? It is not being performed until the spring, but I think will be good.

Monday evening: dinner at Logan Tavern. A salad salmon for me. The salad better than the salmon, but I don't think that they got fresh salmon on Labor Day.

Mark Stein

I am not sure who Mark Stein is. He seems to be a Canadian journalist with a British accent. He seems to be very conservative in his politics. He seems to believe he knows everything. He apparently took Rush Limbaugh's place for two weeks last month. He may have something to do with the "National Review". He was on C-Span this morning.

Here is what I think. This man has (1) the best speaking voice imaginable, and (2) probably the best command of the English language, syntax and vocabulary, of anyone I have heard in a long time.

Some of us are just born record-keepers (4 cents)

I am in my local liquor store, buying our Friday night wine. An obviously homeless man, not particularly well spoken, points to a small bottle of gin behind the counter and say something like: "That 'n". He pulls out some single family bills and a few quarters and pennies and counts out the few dollars needed to acquire his half pint bottle. The clerk puts the money into the register and closes the door. The man stares at the clerk. The clerk look's back with a half quizzical, and half worried look. The man breaks the stare first, and says: "Don't I get a receipt?".