Gustav Wind's Thoughts on Music: Gustav Wind Fans Debate and Blows Away Myths

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Gustav Wind Fans Debate and Blows Away Myths

Recently I have been thinking about fundraising for not-for-profits, which are, as we all know, struggling during the current economic downturn - - as are a multitude of our fellow Americans and fellow humans all over the globe.

One can learn and ought to try a new method, as the Obama campaign taught all during his campaign for President. Myths about fundraising effectively were ‘blown away,’ raising a storm of giving.

Simple solution? Small gifts of any size are much appreciated and welcome. Open the internet ‘coffers’, o ye’ arts organizations, and ask for small amounts that will add up, obviously. Americans are generous and want to give, but at this time, their pocket books may be snapped shut, for obvious reasons. But their hearts are in the right place.

Reaching people may a challenge. Do we Tweet, Facebook (I am making that a verb), email, dare to call on the phone, or simply talk to every music lover we meet? The more ways we have to ‘communicate,’ the harder it seems to get to find that elusive individual you are seeking….

Whatever route you choose, start immediately. Reach out and ask for $1, $5, $10 or whatever is possible for each individual.

I, personally, recommend support for the Lyric Chamber Music Society of New York, which has a campaign to raise $20,000 by August 1 and $300, 000 for its season. The Lyric has wonderful artists, great concerts, memorable receptions, and performances in a beautiful, intimate space suited to the magnificent music. I try to remain objective, but I must admit that the Lyric Chamber Music Society of New York is one of my favorite organizations.

I suspect the management may insert a ‘DONATION’ button here to implement.

Happy Summer!

Gustav

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About Me, Gustav Wind, in my own words:

A bit of background, lest the Lyric misquote or misrepresent my uniqueness, I add the following:

"First, my customary caveat: writing about music is a very difficult task, even for a most experienced critic like me. Many of my colleagues don’t seem to notice the inherent problem in trying to describe a series of sounds which evaporated long ago. They usually chatter on and on, wielding their carving sets, making mincemeat out of the sincere, hardworking, well-intentioned mortals who set themselves the Herculean task of trying to recreate what they think the composer wanted. To complicate the issue, the musicians are always expected to give note-perfect, memorable performances in public."

"Who can really tell you how a symphony orchestra or a single musician sounded last week? I say: no one! I would like to bring their sounds to life, to place them in your ear and mind, to revive the emotions they elicited. Telling you that someone played fast, slow, loud, soft, in English, Italian, or any other language, simply does not achieve the intrinsically impossible goal. Yet we critics must go on, lest we be outdated like the covered wagon and replaced by recordings. I try to report in ways that may make you feel as if you were there, but you weren’t; and you can’t really know what happened. And if you were there, most often, when you read a review, you wonder if you and the critic were really in the same room at the same time."

"Please let me know your opinion of my writing and reviews. You can write to me at GUSTAVWIND@LYRICNY.ORG. I love getting attention! Please remember to use only the loftiest terms and the most elevated thoughts. Lyric's website and a person of my stature cannot and will not respond to inappropriate language which is so disgustingly prevalent in our society at this time."

"Looking forward to hearing from you (and to seeing you, if you can find me. I am known for my varied disguises, and no one has recognized me yet, in my many venerable years of concert-going and reviewing. As a result, some are naturally curious about my identity, and others have gone so far as to speculate that I am not a man at all but might be a female. What a ridiculous notion! What parent would name a daughter Gustav? Catch me, if you can….)"

"Yours,

Gustav Wind, E.C. (Eminent Critic), R.C. (Revered Critic) and

E.G. (Eminence Grise)"

"Copyright Gustav Wind 1999-2012. This copyrighted work is the property of the author and may not be reproduced or used without permission of the author."

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ABOUT GUSTAV WIND

To receive a review from the eminent critic, Gustav Wind, is always an unexpected surprise - - and windfall. As The Lyric Chamber Music Society of New York is being acclaimed for its activities, we are, of course, pleased by interest in us in the press. You may have seen Gustav’s writing in prestigious publications and learned journals throughout the world, so we are especially delighted by his attention.

Gustav Wind has given us permission to post his writing on our website www.lyricny.org, alongside our 2009-2010 Season programs, Music Player, Photo Gallery, and myriad of additional treats for the eye and mind. If you have not yet visited our site, please do; and let us know your reactions.

Beware: Gustav Wind has threatened to review our website, to monitor its electronic effectiveness and elegance, and to alert readers to changes, updates, and content he may or may not like.

Please note: The Lyric Chamber Music Society of New York is proud to reproduce the writings (and ravings) of the unique windbag and extraordinary music critic, Gustav Wind. Gustav’s high standards are consistent with our own; and we believe that we can stand up to his scrutiny with our world-class artists, world-class concerts, and world-class music-making. We never fear when Gustav is near - - although we cannot say the same for all other critics.

However, his reviews and writing represent the opinion and the writing of Gustav Wind and not of the Lyric Chamber Music Society of New York, which disclaims all responsibility for its content.

ABOUT ME, GUSTAV WIND, IN MY OWN WORDS

A bit of background: (Lest the Lyric misquote or misrepresent Gustav Wind's uniqueness, we add the following, in his own words:)

"First, my customary caveat: writing about music is a very difficult task, even for a most experienced critic like me. Many of my colleagues don’t seem to notice the inherent problem in trying to describe a series of sounds which evaporated long ago. They usually chatter on and on, wielding their carving sets, making mincemeat out of the sincere, hardworking, well-intentioned mortals who set themselves the Herculean task of trying to recreate what they think the composer wanted. To complicate the issue, the musicians are always expected to give note-perfect, memorable performances in public."

"Who can really tell you how a symphony orchestra or a single musician sounded last week? I say: no one! I would like to bring their sounds to life, to place them in your ear and mind, to revive the emotions they ellicited. Telling you that someone played fast, slow, loud, soft, in English, Italian, or any other language, simply does not achieve the intrinsically impossible goal. Yet we critics must go on, lest we be outdated like the covered wagon and replaced by recordings. I try to report in ways that may make you feel as if you were there, but you weren’t; and you can’t really know what happened. And if you were there, most often, when you read a review, you wonder if you and the critic were really in the same room at the same time."

"Please let me know your opinion of my writing and reviews. You can write to me at GUSTAVWIND@LYRICNY.ORG. I love getting attention! Please remember to use only the loftiest terms and the most elevated thoughts. Lyric's website and a person of my stature cannot and will not respond to inappropriate language which is so disgustingly prevalent in our society at this time."

"Looking forward to hearing from you (and to seeing you, if you can find me. I am known for my varied disguises, and no one has recognized me yet, in my many venerable years of concert-going and reviewing. As a result, some are naturally curious about my identity, and others have gone so far as to speculate that I am not a man at all but might be a female. What a ridiculous notion! What parent would name a daughter Gustav? Catch me, if you can….)"

"Yours,
Gustav Wind, E.C. (Eminent Critic), R.C. (Revered Critic) and
E.G. (Eminence Grise)"

"Copyright Gustav Wind 1999 - 2009. This copyrighted work is the property of the author and may not be reproduced or used without permission of the author."

GUSTAV WIND'S CUSTOMARY CAVEAT

"Writing about music is a very difficult task, even for a most experienced critic like me. Many of my colleagues don’t seem to notice the inherent problem in trying to describe a series of sounds which evaporated long ago. They usually chatter on and on, wielding their carving sets, making mincemeat out of the sincere, hardworking, well-intentioned mortals who set themselves the Herculean task of trying to recreate what they think the composer wanted. To complicate the issue, the musicians are always expected to give note-perfect, memorable performances in public.

Who can really tell you how a symphony orchestra or a single musician sounded last week? I say: no one! I would like to bring their sounds to life, to place them in your ear and mind, to revive the emotions they ellicited. Telling you that someone played fast, slow, loud, soft, in English, Italian, or any other language, simply does not achieve the intrinsically impossible goal. Yet we critics must go on, lest we be outdated like the covered wagon and replaced by recordings. I try to report in ways that may make you feel as if you were there, but you weren’t; and you can’t really know what happened. And if you were there, most often, when you read a review, you wonder if you and the critic were really in the same room at the same time.

I can only give you a hint of the soulful tones that emerged from the musicians and surrounded us. You simply have to make every effort to hear him for yourself. For after all, isn’t that what reviews are about? Reports to help you to decide what to hear and what to miss, in your busy life, with limited time? Or is a review a field day for psyche destruction?"