wnyc.org / 93.9fm / am 820

Comments

• [1] Peter from Sunset Park May 05, 2009 - 11:32AM

  Mr. Barenboim did not perform in Egypt as a conductor, he performed as a conductor who is a vocal opponent of the Israeli government. Mr. Barenboim entered Egypt by announcing, "I am here as an individual who has been very critical of the Israeli government." Even so, Egypt state media reported that most Egyptian intellectuals were opposed to the visit.

  I am looking forward to visits to Israel by Palestinian musicians who oppose suicide killings and oppose the use of Palestinian children as human shields. Oh wait, the democratically elected Palestinian government kills, intimidates and silences those Palestinians.

  Will the WNYC ministers of information delete this post for not being sufficiently liberal? We shall see.

  
  
• [2] john price from MD May 05, 2009 - 01:59PM

  Mr. Barenboim is annoying! His ideas about music are not interesting at all.... so silly...

  
  
• [3] A May 05, 2009 - 01:59PM

  You played a snippet of a piano piece right before a program break -- can someone tell me the name of the piece? It may have been mentioned but I missed it.

  Thanks much,

  A

  The Lopate Show responds:

  The music played before the break was "Venetian Gondola Song" by Felix Mendelssohn.

  
  
• [4] Gloria Kelso from New York City May 05, 2009 - 02:02PM

  Can you send me the name of the tiny piano segment that was played during the show break between Lopote and BarenBoin? I presume that Barenboin was the pianist.

  I would like to purchase the CD if that's possible. Please send me complete CD information.

  Thank you.

  Gloria Kelso

  
  
• [5] Ash in Manhattan from Manhattan May 05, 2009 - 02:07PM

  I have never heard of this man and know nothing about his life or his music. But your interview with him reminded me of your recent interview with Liza Minella: A tough one, indeed. His arrogant air and contrarian style gave me no reason to admire him or his works.

  
  
• [6] thatgirlinnewyork May 05, 2009 - 02:49PM

  hah! ash--i was going to say that the minelli interview was a cake walk compared to barenboim's. while i enjoyed him as a conductor in many instances, his personal eccentricities make him a difficult subject--even for you, lenny!

  
  
• [7] anna May 06, 2009 - 07:56AM

  There is nothing controversial about this Barehbohm. A scoundrel is a scoundrel is a scoundrel. I haven't been so irritated in a long time. Sacrificing everyone, or particularly the utter victims for self promotion, more and more fame and more and more money while covering utter immorality with platitudes, slogans or sheer nonsense is more than I can tolerate.

  Yes, Daniel, why play for those who have been suffering (so few of them) when one can play for millions, including the monsters, who haven't suffered.

  I've been vomiting non stop since yesterday.

  Dr Anna

  
  
• [8] B. C. May 06, 2009 - 09:37PM

  He is cool and a great conductor. Those who hate him are just mad that that he has his own views and speaks them. Bravo mr. Barenboim.

  
  
• [9] anna May 07, 2009 - 06:09AM

  BC#8

  Sure, all views are of equal value (yes, sarcasm). Yes, life is simple - one doesn't have to know anything - just to function on the level of platitudes and slogans.

  Personally, I don't hate him, just despise. A perfect bastard.

  Dr anna

  
  
• [10] B. C. May 07, 2009 - 10:09PM

  anna, when and im sure it wont be anytime soon, you can play a piano like this gentleman, will your critique will make any impact. You obviously need more than music to appreciate a musician.

  
  
• [11] Seth Goldberg from NY, NY May 09, 2009 - 07:43AM

  I wouldn't have felt the need to write except for the previous dissonant and (to me) agonized comments.

  Thanks for one of the most wonderful interviews I've ever heard, especially the parts elucidating the orchestra members not forgetting their differences but articulating them, and living music incorporating subversive counterthemes, without being afraid of the controversy. I never thought of it in this way before. Just wonderful to hear and contemplate these interesting ideas. I'm getting and giving the book.

  
  
• [12] mariam from nyc May 09, 2009 - 11:53AM

  Daniel was and is a superb human being. He is compassionate. We need more people of his caliber. I learned a lot from this interview. Thank you.