Alex Ross, music critic at The New Yorker since 1996, discusses the changing field of criticism, Wagner's complicated legacy, and the role of art and artist. They also explore the importance of humor, the evolution of music criticism, artists overcoming failure, and German speaking emigres in Los Angeles.
Artists should maintain their individuality and refuse to conform to market demands.
The decline in music critics has a significant impact on the field and highlights the importance of multiple voices and perspectives in evaluating art.
Deep dives
The Artistry of Failure
The podcast explores the careers of artists who faced setbacks and failures, such as Orson Welles and Richard Wagner. It discusses how these artists were able to find creative freedom and pursue their own visions amidst adversity. It emphasizes the importance of enduring tough times and staying true to one's artistic vision.
The Evolution of Music Criticism
The podcast delves into the changing landscape of music criticism and the role of critics in the modern era. It highlights the decline in the number of music critics and the impact it has on the field. It emphasizes the importance of criticism as a conversation and the need for multiple voices and perspectives in evaluating and interpreting art.
The Power of Artistic Freedom
The podcast explores how artists utilize artistic freedom to create works that defy conventions and push boundaries. It discusses examples of artists like Morten Feldman and Alex Ross himself, who challenge expectations and explore different styles and genres of music. It emphasizes the importance of artists maintaining their individuality and refusing to conform to market demands.
Exploring the Richness of History
The podcast emphasizes the significance of understanding the historical and social context in which art is created. It discusses the influence of major events, such as the Great Depression and Nazi Germany, on artists' careers and creative output. It also highlights how artists, like the German-speaking emigres in Los Angeles, found inspiration and new opportunities in a new cultural environment.
Alex Ross has been a music critic at The New Yorker since 1996. His beat is classical music, but his work spans literature, history, the visual arts, film, and ecology. The MacArthur Genius Grant recipient was cited by the foundation for his ability to offer “new ways of thinking about the music of the past and its place in our future.” He is also the author of three books, “Listen to This,” “The Rest is Noise” and his most recent, “Wagnerism: Art and Politics in the Shadow of Music,” which dives into the influential composer’s complicated legacy. Alex Ross and Alec discuss the changing field of criticism, Wagner’s place in history and how to separate art from artist.