After 54 years of reviewing live performances, I’m calling it quits. For two reasons:
– Health: For several years, I’ve been coping with inflammatory ailments. I’m prescribed drugs that suppress my immune system, making me more vulnerable to infectious diseases. Attending public events is potentially hazardous. Until recently, I reviewed Richmond Symphony concerts from video streams posted about a week after the performances, but I’ve had to skip other events. That gives the reader tardy assessments of one set of concerts, and none of other classical performances in the Richmond area – a warped view of what goes on here.
– Recycling: Good for the environment, bad for concert reviewing. Classical ensembles and presenters, especially the larger ones, necessarily concentrate on standard-repertory works; that’s what sells concert tickets. I’m running out of original things to say about music that I’ve heard over and over for decades, and I don’t think that repeating myself is a good use of time, either for me or for readers.
So where does Letter V go from here?
I’ll continue to post the monthly events calendar, to cover news from this region’s classical-music scene, and to link to news articles and essays about classical music that I consider important or insightful.
When I hear an interesting new piece of music, an interesting take on a familiar piece, or an under-appreciated artist, composer or work worth getting to know, I may write about that subject.
I keep threatening to review recordings, and I may finally do so. Stay tuned.
I’ll also continue to present Letter V Classical Radio on WDCE, the University of Richmond’s radio station, for as long as I’m able and the station is willing to broadcast the show.
Health permitting, I’ll return to concertgoing, but as a “civilian” – a listener, not a public commentator. Live music-making is the finest kind, and I was very lucky to make a living writing about performances and the artists giving them. Now I look forward to going to concerts for enjoyment and enrichment, not for work.
Letter V 