The Choral Contrarians

Artistic Debt

Richard and Eric discuss a question posed in The New York Times: "What do consumers owe to producers of art?"  They wonder if the concept of 'debt' within the artistic framework is plausible, and muse on its potential ramifications.  Is it ethical for organizations to purchase used manuscripts, or loan for rehearsals and performances?

Lost Episode: The Gift Economy

"The Gift Economy" is a Choral Contrarian Lost Episode, recorded in Summer, 2024. Richard and Eric use the recent article "Toward a Gift Economy," composed by Simon Oliver (published July 2024) in the Plough Quarterly, as a springboard to both generally and specifically discuss 'gift' as it relates to a culture, economy, and potentially an artistic organization.  Can the concept of a gift economy be leveraged for a more healthy ethic, both personally or culturally?  Is it a flaccid, weak ideal, or perhaps a powerful tool that can be utilized in a variety of ways to create sustained health and wellness? "Toward a Gift Economy": https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.plough.com/en/topics/justice/social-justice/economic-justice/toward-a-gift-economy&ved=2ahUKEwiRjvG1pfSLAxXNj4kEHYrKLcsQFnoECBMQAQ&usg=AOvVaw31tizlUbp2z82nH--SM7Ge

The Intersection of Emotion and Performance

Richard and Eric try to locate the intersection point of emotion and performance.  They not only attempt to differentiate the difference between how emotion works for the audience versus performer, but also debate the value and perception of emotion's usefulness as a performer of music.  Do we overvalue, or misjudge, emotion in the act of performance?

I had a dream, past the wit of man to say what dream it was…

Richard and Eric wonder about the goings-on of music and performance in dreams.  What piece is heard there?  Who wrote that piece?  What ensemble performed the piece you heard in the dream?  Is there anything to be learned from those questions?  Maybe there is something similar going on when a conductor references their mental/aural imagery when adjudicating and rehearsing their ensembles.

Ye Olde Fireside Chat

Richard and Eric gather round the old fireplace to chat about a variety of things, including reading a wonderful note from Swedish composer Mattias Sjöberg.  High-back chairs and a roaring fire is a wonderful time to reminisce and celebrate hygge during the dark, winter season.