Unfortunately, I think there has always been an element of hatred even in the best of conservatism, and what conservatism always lacked was an inability to appreciate substantive critique, especially of beloved things, and the wonder and beauty of new things when the old is surpassed. Hatred and blind nostalgia go hand in hand. One upshot of this particular rabbit hole was finding out Scruton has written a lot about Wagner. "A conservative is someone who has found something t

For those familiar with Norse mythology, but unfamiliar with the work of Richard Wagner, there will probably be an eyebrow-arching moment while watching the Metropolitan Opera’s 2010 Robert Lepage production of Das Rheingold when Richard Croft as Loge the god of fire strides onto the stage. Loki wasn’t a god of fire. The effect is pretty cool. The fiery aura or “dancing nimbus” around Richard Croft is principally an interactive projection effect, not ordinary stage lighting.

I'm taking a break from watching the 2010 production of Das Rhinegold at the Met, and I had to say this. First off, I'm deeply enjoying this opera. So I don't want to detract from that. But every time Wotan turned towards the camera, I couldn't help but notice his golden Batman ab armor stretched across a stomach which has definitely not seen ab lines in many years. In noticing this, I accidentally stumbled across a HILARIOUS element of the critical response to this productio

"The Snow Is Dancing" is the fourth movement of Debussy’s Children’s Corner. In Paul Barton’s recording, he notes that he alternates between the sustain pedal and a special harmonic pedal, which helps create the blurred and suspended sound of the piece. What struck me first was the constant light motion. The notes seem to flicker back and forth instead of moving in a strong melodic line. The effect really does suggest snow falling and being moved around by the wind. There doe