Author Archives: Alyssa Blumenthal

Posts by Alyssa Blumenthal

Comments by Alyssa Blumenthal

"So much kudos."
--( posted on Dec 15, 2010, commenting on the post A Semester’s Worth of Stubs )
 
"I think Professor Jochnowitz made some fantastic points about the opera. Many times, theater and opera plots are dismissed as fantastic and too hard to believe. They often deal with extreme situations and hyperbole in order to make the story more funny and exciting. However, this does not mean that Cosi fan tutte has to conform to this stereotype. Yes the whole idea is rather ridiculous, but I think Jochnowitz brings up some very important things to be considered. I would certainly like to believe that Mozart intended to show that love does indeed exist and that women's emotions are in fact legitimate. I enjoyed this opera immensely!"
--( posted on Dec 5, 2010, commenting on the post Cosi fan Tutte )
 
"Art can be such a powerful medium and it is wonderful to see an example of this. For those who may want a really intensive view into schizophrenia, I would recommend watching this video, in which you the viewer are the schizophrenic: http://www.janssen.com/mindstorm_video.html It is very scary, but very insightful, and certainly provides a truly incredible look into this mental condition."
--( posted on Nov 21, 2010, commenting on the post “Crazy Art” )
 
"I especially like the discussion of religion as a journey. I like that this article highlights the ability of spirituality to change someone. I like the discussion of balance. We all need to find balance in our lives, and I think we all need to also have some sort of spirituality (whether you call it organized religion or not). These are both extremely important to me, so seeing this article really resonated with and moved me."
--( posted on Nov 13, 2010, commenting on the post Rebirth through Rap and Religion )
 
":) You bet we are. I very much like the contrast in this song. Life is about balance, and Jason Mraz really seems to understand that, especially with this piece. It's a nice thing to see, especially in pop artists!"
--( posted on Nov 4, 2010, commenting on the post Victor Wooten and Jason Mraz. Two very smart musicians. )
 
"I definitely appreciated tonight's lecture. The relationship between music and the mind is certainly a fascinating one, and I think deserves a lot of attention and discussion. My favorite piece of the presentation was Wooten's explanation of the importance of silence and of his ability to capture the audience's attention through rhythmic freedom. These are both elements you may not necessarily think of when discussing music, but they are absolutely crucial to a great performance and I think that was displayed wonderfully this evening."
--( posted on Nov 4, 2010, commenting on the post Greg Antonelli – Wootenology (A Made Up Science About Music And The Brain And Fantastic Bass Playing) )
 
"This project sounds like a wonderful thing. There is so much conflict in our world as result of religious extremism, and because of this, we often forget to separate extremism from religion itself. I hope this exhibit is one of the first of many and that it helps our world focus on the ability faith has to connect individuals, rather than diversify."
--( posted on Oct 24, 2010, commenting on the post The Main Three )
 
"YES PLEASE! I've been looking up ticket information. There's a major discount for students. I just need to see if I can find information on advanced ticket sales. But I'm looking into it! :)"
--( posted on Oct 5, 2010, commenting on the post So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past. )
 
"Last night's performers showed great technical proficiency and connection with the music being played. It was truly a pleasure to watch them engage with each other and their audience as they took notes on a page and developed them into something more meaningful. Notation really is such a little part of actual musical performance. Music is about expression and interpretation and interaction, and the artists at Le Poisson Rouge showed these elements of performance magnificently. That being said, I'm not sure exactly what I think of Evan Ziporyn's compositions. There were certainly elements I found intriguing. For example, Ziporyn's incorporation of his daughter's laughter into his first performed piece created an interesting musical setting when used in conjunction with violin and bass clarinet. The vamping of certain sections in the pieces also helped create a feeling of intensity and movement as the pieces progressed. This outing presented me with an opportunity to experience a type of music of which I would probably otherwise not have listened. I am glad I got a chance to do so!"
--( posted on Sep 29, 2010, commenting on the post Le Poisson Rouge )
 
"I think performance art is an absolutely fascinating medium. I too saw Abramovic at the MoMA this past summer and was completely enthralled. I think the true artistic aspect of Abramovic's work is her total silence in both her "The Artist is Present" exhibit and this "Rhythm 0" piece you discussed. It is this silence and stillness which allows for truth to really be put on display."
--( posted on Sep 22, 2010, commenting on the post Deadly Performance Art )
 
"This clip certainly does a great job of highlighting Parsons' balance of the modern and traditional in his choreography. During the actual performance last night, I was also very impressed by the director's use of color and lighting. The main female dancer (seen in the foreground of this clip) was dressed all in pink, while the background dancers wore more subdued colors. One of the main male dancers was also highlighted by color throughout the work, this time with bright purple pants. Unfortunately, you cannot see this contrast in the clip of the rehearsal, but it did a great job of enhancing the work and directing the audience's focus. I also really enjoyed the singer's interaction with the dancers throughout the work. He was not a separate entity but a component of the choreography, and I think that also kept things interesting and enjoyable. This group was definitely worthwhile seeing!"
--( posted on Sep 20, 2010, commenting on the post Parson’s Dance )
 
"I definitely think that being able to speak with Michael Gordon before and after the performance helped me appreciate and gain better insight into his work. I am genuinely intrigued by the thought process he put into creating "Timber", as it is certainly a unique piece he has created. I also really appreciate the simplicity of Gordon's work. I'm fascinated that something so complex can consist of, mostly, sixteenth notes played on pieces of wood."
--( posted on Sep 20, 2010, commenting on the post Michael Gordon and Steve Reich – Post Comments HERE )
 
"I think the most interesting part about pop music is its derivatives, such as the Asian cultures you've mentioned in Minaj's "Your Love". I personally do not think that this song is a great work of art, but I do appreciate that pop music and culture is often more complex than we initially perceive and for which we give it credit."
--( posted on Sep 12, 2010, commenting on the post Pink Friday )