The Fredösphere

Alex Ross fears a new trend: the use of classical music as a bug spray substitute.  I agree, this is terrible.  It's only a matter of time until they realize music causes cancer.

And while we're responding to Alex Ross, let me add my two cents to the great musical literacy debate.  One reason score-based music is disliked by many is that so many performers never escape the score.  If the music doesn't have a score, you can't bury your nose in it.  If you do use a score, you must learn it to the point you don't need it anymore.  Choral singers:  I'm talking to you!  Look up from your music once in a while.  (Here's the secret: use the muscles in your neck.)  This is all a continuation of the point I made yesterday.

Sadly, the Soviet Star Trek is a hoax, and I'm pretty sure there's something phony about this too.

Lynn spotted another Cool Band Name:  it's a string ensemble called The Rare Fruits Council.

There's a bit of interesting local news I noticed:  composer Ricky Ian Gordon will be at the Kerrytown Concert House in Ann Arbor this Friday.  Three local divas will sing his songs.  The details are here.