Classical Notes: July 28, 2009 Archive

New Mozart!

Posted at 12:29 AM on July 28, 2009 by Gillian Martin (0 Comments)

A busy (and prolific) composer like Mozart was writing for the moment, not organizing his papers for posterity. So it's not surprising that a few things got lost or forgotten along the way.

The International Mozarteum Foundation announced last week that two previously undiscovered piano pieces by Mozart had been found. They're being closed-mouth about the details right now, but all will be revealed next week, when pianist Florian Birsak performs the pieces in Mozart's hometown of Salzburg.

Thanks to webmaster Michael Wells for the tip.

Comment on this post

Remembering Michael Steinberg

Posted at 2:32 PM on July 28, 2009 by Rex Levang (2 Comments)

As you probably know by now, Michael Steinberg died over the weekend. He had been a critic, an artistic advisor to orchestras and festivals, and above all, a writer whose books and program notes set the standard for knowledgeable, elegant writing on music. He was a revered figure (and these words somehow fail to do justice to that).

Here in Minnesota, where he made his home, he was more than that. For many, he was a personal friend. For many of us who didn't know him personally, he was still a kind of personal presence: as a lecturer at Orchestra Hall, as a guest on MPR, or sometimes just a fellow audience member, since his attendance at musical events was indefatigable.

Online remembrances and obituaries have begun to appear, with more to follow: here's just one, that blends the professional and personal nicely.

Do you have your own recollections of Michael Steinberg, or thoughts on the contribution he made? Share your memories below.

Comment on this post