WFMT: Andrew Patner on Arts and Culture

A Fool’s Game

Matt DeStefano — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:00:20 +0000

Would you review a concert before the first note is played? Why, then, are buildings reviewed before they open? Andrew ponders this and other questions in this week’s Critic’s Choice.

Music of Ralph Shapey (Rebroadcast)

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 14 May 2013 03:00:41 +0000

A program of violin music of the great Ralph Shapey.

Review: Lyric Opera’s Oklahoma!

Matt DeStefano — Wed, 08 May 2013 15:00:05 +0000

Andrew reviews Lyric Opera of Chicago’s production of Oklahoma!, which runs through May 19 at the Civic Opera House.

Lyric’s Oklahoma

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 07 May 2013 20:44:38 +0000

Andrew discusses Lyric Opera of Chicago’s production of Oklahoma!

Christian Thielemann (Conductor)

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 07 May 2013 03:00:33 +0000

Andrew talks with German conductor Christian Thielemann who last month returned to Chicago for the first time in 14 years in his new position as chief conductor of the Dresden Staatskapelle.

Rondi Charleston (Jazz Vocalist)

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 03:00:37 +0000

Andrew talks with Chicago-native jazz vocalist Rondi Charleston about her new record Signs of Life (out now on Motéma), childhood and more.

Versus Chicago

Matt DeStefano — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:00:52 +0000

While other cities stake their claim on which is “best,” Andrew comments on the decline of journalistic standards.

Lincoln Reconsidered #8 (Rebroadcast)

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 03:00:39 +0000

By listener request, a post-successful-membership-drive rebroadcast from Andrew’s 2009 series, “Abraham Lincoln Reconsidered.” Tonight, a conversation on “Lincoln and Religion” with Franklin I. Gamwell, professor emeritus at The University of Chicago Divinity School.

Remembering Adloph “Bud” Herseth

Matt DeStefano — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 15:03:17 +0000

Andrew remembers legendary CSO trumpeter Adolph “Bud” Herseth in this Critic’s Choice commentary.

Studs Terkel (Rebroadcast from 2005)

Matt DeStefano — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 19:50:47 +0000

With Studs Terkel‘s centennial anniversary approaching, Andrew presents his 2005 WFMT interview with Studs discussing his then new book, And They All Sang: Adventures of an Eclectic Disc Jockey. Studs talks about his disc jockey days in general, his love of opera, and the music editions of The Studs Terkel Program which aired daily for 45 years, from more...

Riccardo Muti (Chicago Symphony Orchestra Music Director)

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:00:42 +0000

Andrew discusses Bach’s B-minor Mass and Italian Politics with Chicago Symphony Orchestra Music Director, Riccardo Muti.

Remembering Roger Ebert

Matt DeStefano — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 16:32:12 +0000

Andrew remembers his beloved colleague Roger Ebert in this Critic’s Choice commentary.

Robert Falls (Artistic Director) and Richard Woodbury (Sound Designer) of Goodman Theatre

Matt DeStefano — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 20:00:55 +0000

Andrew’s guests are Goodman Theatre artistic director Robert Falls and resident sound designer Richard Woodbury discussing the Goodman’s current production of Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure,” running through April 14.

Bob Riesman (Author) on Big Bill Broonzy–Part 3

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 03:00:47 +0000

Andrew continues with the conclusion of his conversation with Bob Riesman, author of the recent book “I Feel So Good: The Life and Times of Big Bill Broonzy,” on the legendary Chicago blues and folk musician.

A Swing and No Miss

Matt DeStefano — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 15:00:34 +0000

Andrew comments on Robert Falls‘ new production of Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure” at Goodman Theatre.

Bob Riesman (Author) on Big Bill Broonzy–Part 2

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 03:00:38 +0000

Andrew talks with Bob Riesman, author of the recent book “I Feel So Good: The Life and Times of Big Bill Broonzy,” in the second of a series on the legendary Chicago blues and folk musician.

Vienna Philharmonic’s Nazi Ties

Matt DeStefano — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 15:00:43 +0000

Andrew comments on the new report confirming The Vienna Philharmonic’s Nazi ties.

Bob Riesman (Author) on Big Bill Broonzy–Part 1

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 03:00:42 +0000

Andrew talks with Bob Riesman, author of the recent book “I Feel So Good: The Life and Times of Big Bill Broonzy,” in the first of a series on the legendary Chicago blues and folk musician.

Van Cliburn

Matt DeStefano — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 15:57:32 +0000

Van Cliburn

Andrew comments on the passing of Van Cliburn.

Jace Clayton: The Julius Eastman Memory Depot

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 04:00:36 +0000

Andrew previews a New Amsterdam Records CD release of Jace Clayton’s (a.k.a. DJ Rupture) explorations of works by the late, gay African-American composer Julius Eastman. The CD is set to release on March 26.

Esa-Pekka Salonen (Conductor)

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 04:00:11 +0000

Andrew talks with conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen, who is in town to conduct the Chicago Symphony Orchestra with Yo-Yo Ma 2/28 – 3/2 at Orchestra Hall.

Scorecards

Matt DeStefano — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 16:00:09 +0000

Andrew recommends that you leave your pencils and scorecards at home for Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg

Andreas Mitisek (Chicago Opera Theater General Director)

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 04:00:41 +0000

Andreas Mitisek

Andrew talks with Andreas Mitisek, the new general director of Chicago Opera Theater. COT opens its 2013 season, the first planned by Mitisek, this Saturday with “The Fall of the House of Usher” by Philip Glass, at the Harris Theater in Millennium Park.

eighth blackbird’s Grammy Wins

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 04:00:18 +0000

Andrew features eighth blackbird’s recent Cedille Records recording “meanwhile” which yesterday won both Grammy Awards for which it was nominated — Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance and Best Contemporary Composition for Stephen Hartke’s title work.

Austin Pendleton

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 04:00:34 +0000

Andrew talks with veteran actor, director, playwright, and teacher Austin Pendleton. His new staging of Harold Pinter’s “The Birthday Party” opened this weekend at the Steppenwolf Upstairs Theatre for a three-month run.

South of Madison St.

Matt DeStefano — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 20:19:41 +0000

Andrew recommends some goings-on south of Madison Street.

Emmanuel Villaume (Part 2 of 2)

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 04:00:11 +0000

Emmanuel Villaume

Andrew is joined by French conductor Emmanuel Villaume in a new program discussing a conductor’s life today. Mr. Villaume is currently leading the first of two runs of Puccini’s “La Bohème” at Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Response to The Met’s Robots

Matt DeStefano — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 16:00:56 +0000

Andrew responds to listener response to a previous Critic’s Choice segment, “The Met’s Robots.”

Emmanuel Villaume (Part 1 of 2)

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 04:00:34 +0000

Andrew is joined by Lyric Opera of Chicago guest conductor Emmanuel Villaume discussing Puccini, and preparing/presenting “La Boheme.” Villaume leads two month-long runs of the opera at Lyric beginning January 21.

Awash In Color

Matt DeStefano — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 16:00:54 +0000

Andrew recommends a new exhibit at University of Chicago’s Smart Museum.

Ole Kiilerich plays Rzewski

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 04:00:19 +0000

Andrew presents a new recording of Frederic Rzewski’s landmark, hour-long 1975 “The People United Will Never Be Defeated: 36 Variations on a Chilean Folk Song” for solo piano. A new release from Bridge Records by the young Danish pianist Ole Kiilerich.

Historic Jazz and Blues recordings of the late 1920s

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 04:00:15 +0000

Tonight on Critical Thinking with Andrew Patner, Andrew marks the arrival of 2013 with an array of historic blues and jazz recordings from 75 years ago, 1927 and 1928.

The Met’s Robots

Matt DeStefano — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 18:18:05 +0000

Sure, The Metropolitan Opera’s HD broadcasts bring the pure experience of the opera to theaters across the globe–but do they also take it away from those at the opera house? Andrew explores.

The Book of Mormon

Matt DeStefano — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 16:00:15 +0000

Andrew recommends The Book of Mormon at Bank of America Theatre.

Reading of Norman Maclean

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 04:00:03 +0000

Norman Maclean

Andrew shares a story from the late Chicago and Montana writer Norman Maclean.

(Un)familiar Music Series: (Re)New Amsterdam

Matt DeStefano — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 16:00:08 +0000

Andrew recommends (Un)familiar Music Series: (Re)New Amsterdam which takes place this Sunday, December 16 at 1:00pm at Empty Bottle.

Charles Rosen (Part 1 of 2 – Rebroadcast from 2007)

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 04:00:33 +0000

Charles Rosen

Conversation and music with eminent pianist, scholar, and critic Charles Rosen, who died yesterday at the age of 85. Andrew rebroadcasts this first of a pair of conversations with Rosen, which took place five years ago on the eve of his 80th birthday.

Miranda Cuckson plays Nono

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 04:00:17 +0000

Miranda Cuckson

Andrew shares a new recording by enterprising American violinist Miranda Cuckson of the penultimate work of 20th-century modernist Luigi Nono.

Wagner & Me

Matt DeStefano — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 16:00:34 +0000

Andrew recommends Wagner and Me, now showing at the Gene Siskel Film Center.

Thurber #8

Matt DeStefano — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 16:00:42 +0000

Andrew reads more from James Thurber’s Fables for Our Time.

Jeff Garlin

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 04:00:17 +0000

Jeff Garlin

Andrew’s guest is Chicago native comedian Jeff Garlin, co-star and an executive producer of HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm” starring Larry David. Jeff returns to Chicago for a two-week stand-up run December 4 to 16 at the Upstairs Theatre at Steppenwolf.

Tribute to Elliott Carter

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 04:00:06 +0000

Andrew provides a musical tribute to the late, great Elliott Carter, who died earlier this month at the age of 103.

Werther Or Not

Matt DeStefano — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 16:00:36 +0000

Andrew recommends Lyric Opera of Chicago’s production of Massenet’s Werther.

A Conversation with Alex Ross (Rebroadcast)

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 04:00:07 +0000

Alex Ross

My guest is New Yorker music critic, award-winning and best-selling author of The Rest Is Noise: Listening to the Twentieth Century, MacArthur Fellow, and music weblog pioneer with therestisnoise.com, Mr. Alex Ross, discussing his new book of essays and profiles, Listen To This.

From bass lines to Björk, Marian Anderson to Radiohead, Bob Dylan to Brahms, Alex brings together topics from his acclaimed New Yorker pieces, mixes in a new essay and lots of great notes and references, and places them elegantly between two hard covers. We talk about them and even play some music.

Music of Terry Callier

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 03:00:36 +0000

Andrew presents recordings of Chicago-born singer/songwriter Terry Callier, who died Saturday at the age of 67.

Happy Feet

Matt DeStefano — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 15:00:15 +0000

Andrew discusses the benefits of organized dance.

Logan Center for the Performing Arts

Matt DeStefano — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 15:00:13 +0000

Andrew talks about University of Chicago’s new Logan Center for the Performing Arts.

Mostly New Music

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 03:00:46 +0000

Andrew presents new recordings of mostly new music in this edition of Critical Thinking.

Mexico Phoner #2

Matt DeStefano — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 15:00:06 +0000

Andrew phones-in a CSO tour report from Mexico.

Mexico Phoner

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 16:26:13 +0000

Andrew phones-in a CSO tour report to Carl Grapentine from Mexico.

Brian Dickie

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 03:00:12 +0000

Andrew conducts an exit interview of sorts with former Chicago Opera Theater General Director, Brian Dickie.

New York Phoner

Matt DeStefano — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 18:06:28 +0000

Andrew phones in a report on the Chicago Symphony Orchestra from New York City.

Muti Time

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 03:00:19 +0000

Andrew presents a new conversation with Chicago Symphony Orchestra music director Riccardo Muti.

30AIDS (Rebroadcast from 2011)

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 03:00:48 +0000

Andrew presents a program of music and readings marking the 30th anniversary of the first reports on June 5, 1981 of what was to become known as AIDS including compositions, performances, and poetry by and about classical musicians and other artists who have died from AIDS.

Special Report: CSO Strike

Matt DeStefano — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 16:22:43 +0000

UPDATE: The CSO strike reached its end Monday night, 9/24/2012.

As heard on WFMT this morning, Andrew Patner joined Carl Grapentine to discuss the ongoing strike at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

We are posting this report after having received overwhelming listener response like this email from Lori D. of Chicago:

I am writing to request that you make available (as a podcast or transcribed article) Andrew Patner’s commentary on the CSO musicians strike from this morning’s 9 a.m. newscast. His analysis was extremely thorough and even-handed. I think making it available for all to read or hear would go a long way toward helping all WFMT listeners understand the issues involved in the strike. It would also provide a counterbalance to the inflammatory and strongly anti-musician coverage that the strike is receiving in the Chicago press. As our premier source for information on the arts and classical music, listeners count on WFMT to help provide a more balanced perspective. Please make this very fine commentary by Mr. Patner more widely available! Thank you.

Hello Fall

Matt DeStefano — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 15:00:45 +0000

Fall is here, and Andrew is your guide to the musical happenings the season brings.

Wallowitch and Frigo (Rebroadcast from 2007)

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 03:00:42 +0000

Memorials to cabaret artists Johnny Frigo and John Wallowitch. (Rebroadcast from 2007)

Kozinn and Cage (Part 2 of 2)

Matt DeStefano — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 15:00:29 +0000

In the second of a two-part Critic’s Choice (continued from last week), Andrew comments on the demotion of New York Times classical music critic Allan Kozinn, as well as 100 years of John Cage.

Music of Marvin Hamlisch

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 03:00:32 +0000

Andrew shares a listen to selections from the late Marvin Hamlisch‘s score to the Pulitzer Prize- and multiple Tony-Award-winning 1975 show A Chorus Line. He also has some recordings of another artist with surprising parallels to Hamlisch, who died at 68 last month. The musical A Class Act, on the life and early death of A Chorus Line‘s lyricist, Ed Kleban, is being presented now by Chicago’s Porchlight Music Theatre at Theatre Wit.

Kozinn and Cage (Part 1 of 2)

Matt DeStefano — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 15:00:44 +0000

In the first of a two-part Critic’s Choice (to be continued next week), Andrew comments on the demotion of New York Times classical music critic Allan Kozinn, as well as 100 years of John Cage.

George LePauw on Beethoven Festival: Revolution 2012

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 03:00:07 +0000

Andrew discusses the International Beethoven Project’s Beethoven Festival: Revolution 2012 with pianist and artistic director George LePauw. The second Chicago Beethoven Festival comprises 60 events over nine days — this Saturday September 8 through Sunday September 16 — with an emphasis on rising young artists from around the world and around the city.

Waning August

Matt DeStefano — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 15:00:01 +0000

Andrew shares the goings-on for the end of August.

Timeline Theatre’s 33 Variations

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 03:00:58 +0000

Andrew talks with the director, lead cast members, and pianist from TimeLine Theatre Company’s Chicago première production of 33 Variations, Moisès Kaufman’s Broadway hit play on Beethoven’s Diabelli Variations, and much more. 33 Variations runs from August 24 through October 21 at Stage 773, 1225 West Belmont. 773.327.5252

Santa Fe

Matt DeStefano — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 15:00:48 +0000

Andrew updates us on what’s going on in Santa Fe.

David Greilsammer’s Baroque Conversations

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 03:00:20 +0000

Andrew shares a new solo recording by young Israeli pianist David Greilsammer that combines Baroque works with contemporary pieces by Feldman, Lachenmann, and commissions from young Israelis Matan Porat and Nimrod Sahar. David Greilsammer is in recital this Friday at 6:00 p.m. in Ravinia’s Bennett-Gordon Hall.

Seth Boustead and Jesse McQuarters (Relevant Tones – Part 2 of 2)

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 03:00:02 +0000

In the second of two programs on new ways to present new music, Andrew’s guests are Seth Boustead and Jesse McQuarters, host and producer, respectively, of WFMT’s new weekly program Relevant Tones.

Seth Boustead and Jesse McQuarters (Relevant Tones – Part 1 of 2)

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 03:00:45 +0000

In the first of two programs on new ways to present new music, Andrew’s guests are Seth Boustead and Jesse McQuarters, host and producer of WFMT’s new weekly program Relevant Tones.

LA LA LA

Matt DeStefano — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 15:00:07 +0000

Andrew discusses the state of art museums in Los Angeles.

Jack Zimmerman (Rebroadcast from 2011)

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 03:00:46 +0000

A conversation with Chicago-native Jack Zimmerman, whose CD of autobiographical stories and original music entitled The Gift is gaining national popularity.

Chicago’s Cultural Plan

David Polk — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 15:20:21 +0000

Andrew discusses the Draft Chicago Cultural Plan 2012 recently unveiled by the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events after months of public discussion: http://www.chicagoculturalplan2012.com/

David Robertson (Conductor)

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 03:00:03 +0000

Andrew speaks with Maestro David Robertson.

W.S. Di Piero

David Polk — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 17:18:40 +0000

Andrew reads two poems by his latest Critical Thinking guest, W.S. Di Piero, winner of the 2012 Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize.

W.S. Di Piero (Poet – Part 2 of 2)

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 03:00:48 +0000

In the second of a two-part conversation, Andrew speaks with poet and winner of the 2012 Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize, W.S. Di Piero.

W.S. Di Piero (Poet – Part 1 of 2)

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 03:00:37 +0000

In the first of a two-part conversation, Andrew speaks with poet and winner of the 2012 Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize, W.S. Di Piero.

When the Moon Shines Over Ravinia: Stephanie Blythe brings her Kate Smith tribute to the Martin Theatre Monday night

Andrew Patner — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 16:38:22 +0000

Stephanie Blythe sings Kate Smith

Opera star brings beloved Americana to Ravinia

Stephanie Blythe

Kate Smith

with Craig Terry, piano

Monday, July 2 at 8 p.m.

Martin Theatre, Ravinia

200 Ravinia Park Road

Highland Park, Ill.

847-266-5100; ravinia.org

Read my full story and interview with Stephanie Blythe here.

And see you at Ravinia!

Ballet Imports

Matt DeStefano — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 15:00:16 +0000

Andrew talks about this week’s can’t-miss ballet performances.

Riccardo Muti (CSO Music Director/Maestro — Part 2 of 2)

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 03:00:41 +0000

In the second of two parts, Andrew shares a new conversation with Chicago Symphony Orchestra music director Riccardo Muti, who closed the 2011-2012 CSO season with three concerts over the weekend.

Riccardo Muti (CSO Music Director/Maestro — Part 1 of 2)

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 03:00:06 +0000

In the first of two parts, Andrew shares a new conversation with Chicago Symphony Orchestra music director Riccardo Muti, now in his season-closing residency with the CSO through this Sunday.

Thurber #7 (Rebroadcast)

Matt DeStefano — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 15:00:37 +0000

Andrew reads more from James Thurber’s Fables for Our Time.

DJ Masonic on Mercury Soul (Mason Bates – CSO Composer-In-Residence)

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 03:00:38 +0000

Andrew speaks with Chicago Symphony Orchestra co-Composer-in-Residence Mason Bates (DJ Masonic) about Mercury Soul, a collaborative classical/electronic (electrassical!?) event which takes place Friday, June 15 at the Metro in Chicago.

June

Matt DeStefano — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 15:00:58 +0000

Andrew discusses a multitude of music events to experience this month.

Jeremy Denk (Pianist/Writer)

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 03:00:30 +0000

Andrew”s guest is pianist and writer Jeremy Denk, who was in town this past week for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Keys to the City Piano Festival. Jeremy’s new album Ligeti/Beethoven is out now on the Nonesuch label.

Clap Your Hands Say No

Matt DeStefano — Wed, 30 May 2012 15:00:24 +0000

Andrew discusses the age-old classical music quandary: to clap, or not to clap?

Barenboim on Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau

Matt DeStefano — Wed, 23 May 2012 15:00:14 +0000

Andrew shares Daniel Barenboim’s statement regarding the late baritone and conductor, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau.

Emanuel Ax (Pianist)

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 22 May 2012 03:00:08 +0000

Andrew talks with renowned pianist Emanuel Ax, curator of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Keys to the City Piano Festival running from May 23 through June 12.

Studs Terkel (Rebroadcast from 2005)

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 15 May 2012 03:00:05 +0000

Studs 100th, Iceman Cometh

Matt DeStefano — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:00:40 +0000

Andrew comments on the celebration of Studs Terkel’s 100th birthday year, as well as Goodman Theatre’s staging of Iceman Cometh.

MusicNOW: May 2012

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 08 May 2012 03:00:46 +0000

With an assist from Chicago Symphony Orchestra Mead Composer-in-Residence Anna Clyne, Andrew previews two Chicago upcoming new-music events from CSO MusicNOW and ensemble dal niente with Italian pianist/conductor/curator Marino Formenti.

Music of Carl Ruggles (Part 2 of 2)

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 01 May 2012 03:00:50 +0000

In the second of two programs of music from an important new reissue on CD, Andrew asks “Who’s Afraid of Carl Ruggles?”

Music of Carl Ruggles (Part 1 of 2)

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 03:00:06 +0000

In the first of two programs of music from an important new reissue on CD, Andrew asks “Who’s Afraid of Carl Ruggles?”

Brian Dickie

Matt DeStefano — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:05:46 +0000

Andrew comments on Brian Dickie’s exit at Chicago Opera Theater.

Charles Rosen (Part 2 of 2 – Rebroadcast from 2007)

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 03:00:06 +0000

Conversation and music with eminent pianist, scholar, and critic Charles Rosen who turns 85 next month. To celebrate this milestone, we pick up where we left off last week with the second of a pair of conversations with Rosen, which took place five years ago on the eve of his 80th birthday.

Charles Rosen (Part 1 of 2 – Rebroadcast from 2007)

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 03:00:32 +0000

Conversation and music with eminent pianist, scholar, and critic Charles Rosen who turns 85 next month. To celebrate this milestone, Andrew rebroadcasts the first of a pair of conversations with Rosen, which took place five years ago on the eve of his 80th birthday.

Groucho #1 (Rebroadcast)

Matt DeStefano — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 22:00:25 +0000

Critic’s Choice is a weekly feature in which WFMT’s Critic-at-Large Andrew Patner shares his observations on arts and culture, from performances at Orchestra Hall to happenings in overlooked Chicago neighborhoods to festivals around the world.

Glenn Watkins: (Author, Part 2 of 2, Rebroadcast)

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 03:00:58 +0000

The second of our two-part program with Glenn Watkins on the topic of his book The Gesualdo Hex: Music, Myth, and Memory (W.W. Norton).

In Search of Haydn

Matt DeStefano — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 14:29:08 +0000

Andrew reviews Phil Grabsky’s new film In Search of Haydn.

Glen Watkins (Author, Part 1 of 2, Rebroadcast)

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 03:00:50 +0000

The first of our two-part program with Glenn Watkins on the topic of his book The Gesualsdo Hex: Music, Myth, and Memory (W.W. Norton).

Camino Real at Goodman Theatre

Matt DeStefano — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:00:26 +0000

Andrew reviews Calixto Bieito’s staging of Camino Real at Goodman Theatre.

A Conversation with Calixto Bieito (Stage Director)

Matt DeStefano — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 03:00:56 +0000

Andrew’s guest is Spanish opera and theatre stage director Calixto Bieito, discussing his controversial European opera stagings and his new production and adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ Camino Real at the Goodman Theatre, running now through April 8.

Thurber #7

Matt DeStefano — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:00:30 +0000

Andrew reads more from James Thurber’s Fables for Our Time.