Those slow introductions to symphonies

In Dan Coren’s third essay on sonata-form, he examines the way symphonies begin. Using the slow introduction of Mozart's 36th Symphony as a point of departure, he builds the first elements of a road map of a full-scale sonata-form movement.

Dan Coren

Oct 16, 2007 · Articles · 3 minute read

"Six Characters' at People's Light

Pirandello’s path breaking 1921 master work, rarely performed, is thoroughly mesmerizing and raises questions that cannot be answered. Louis Lippa’s extensive adaptation expands the original in a highly professional production that’s not to be missed.

Six Characters in Search of an Author. By Luigi Pirandello; translated and adapted by Louis Lippa; Ken Marini directed. Through November 11, 2007 at People’s Light and Theatre Company, Steinbright Stage

Anne R. Fabbri

Oct 16, 2007 · Articles · 4 minute read

Orchestra's "Discovery' concert

How to reach a younger audience? The Orchestra is currently trying a policy that puts unfamiliar music in front of people who actually want to give it a try. At this concert, the crowd was definitely coffeehouse age.

Philadelphia Orchestra: Rihm, Verwandlung 2; Reinecke, Flute Concerto in D Major (Jeffrey Khaner, flute); Stravinsky, The Rite of Spring. Christoph Eschenbach, conductor. September 27, 2007 at Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center. (215) 893-1900 or

Tom Purdom

Oct 13, 2007 · Articles · 5 minute read

"Countess Maritza' by Concert Operetta Theater

A star is born

An unknown tenor and a forgotten operetta combined for a performance that knocked me out. Keep your eyes open for Cody Austin in the future.

Countess Maritza, Operetta in three acts by Emmerich Kálmán. 
Original book and lyrics by Julius Brammer and Alfred Grünwald; 
English version by Nigel Douglas. James Batt, music director and piano. Concert Operetta Theater production October 6 -7, 2007 at Helen Warden Theater, 1920 Spruce St. (215) 389-0

Steve Cohen

Oct 13, 2007 · Articles · 4 minute read

Dolce Suono: Trios by four composers

Dolce Suono spotlights the creativity of four Philadelphia composers and the potential of an unfamiliar form: the trio for flute, cello and piano. Are we living in a second Baroque period without realizing it?

Dolce Suono: Rorem Trio for Flute, Violoncello, and Piano; Cacioppo Snake Dance Trio (Soyohim Kachina); Abramovic Beasts; Crumb Vox Balaenae (Voice of the Whales). Mimi Stillman, flute; Yumi Kendall, cello; Charles Abramovic, pia

Tom Purdom

Oct 13, 2007 · Articles · 5 minute read

Pennsylvania Ballet's "Company B'

This is a transitional time for Pennsylvania Ballet, but artistic director Roy Kaiser isn’t hedging any bets in challenging his new dancers or making roster changes in his seasoned corps. Matt Neenan’s still unpredictable As It’s Going will eventually emerge as one of his strongest works.

“Company B.” Pennsylvania Ballet production October 10-14, 2007 at Merriam Theater, Broad St. above Spruce. (215) 551-7000 or

Lewis Whittington

Oct 13, 2007 · Articles · 4 minute read

"Countess Maritza' by Concert Operetta Theater

An unknown tenor and a forgotten operetta combined for a performance that knocked me out. Keep your eyes open for Cody Austin in the future.

Countess Maritza, Operetta in three acts by Emmerich Kálmán. 
Original book and lyrics by Julius Brammer and Alfred Grünwald; 
English version by Nigel Douglas. James Batt, music director and piano. Concert Operetta Theater production October 6 -7, 2007 at Helen Warden Theater, 1920 Spruce St. (215) 389-0

Steve Cohen

Oct 13, 2007 · Articles · 5 minute read

OCP's "Rigoletto' (1st review)

Verdi’s 1850 masterpiece has always progressed as a complete piece, not a bilious framework of its arias. But Robert B. Driver’s kinetic direction keeps it completely involving, every element framing a finely tuned vocal production.

Rigoletto. Music by Giuseppe Verdi; directed by Robert Driver. Opera Company of Philadelphia through Oct. 17, 2007 at Academy of Music, Broad and Locust Sts. (215) 732-8400 or www.operaphill

Lewis Whittington

Oct 09, 2007 · Articles · 3 minute read

Barrymore Awards problems

This year’s Barrymore Awards:
One step forward, two steps back

The annual Barrymore Awards program is the Philadelphia theater community’s to the world. So why was it held in a dining room where the drinkers at the bar drowned out the presenters on stage?

Steve Cohen

Oct 06, 2007 · Articles · 4 minute read

Barrymore Awards problems

The annual Barrymore Awards program is the Philadelphia theater community’s showcase to the world. So why was it held in a dining room where the drinkers at the bar drowned out the presenters on stage?

Steve Cohen

Oct 06, 2007 · Articles · 4 minute read