Category Archives: Essays

Once is not enough

Posted on September 6, 2012 by barczablog

We know that technology is changing rapidly.  Can you imagine that human perception would somehow remain unchanged, or is it more likely that with all the new platforms, applications, and media, that our brains might work in new ways? Such … Continue reading →

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Buzz

Posted on August 31, 2012 by barczablog

At the first COC podcast, we discussed the implications of a post from John Terauds, when he speculated about Toronto audiences. In passing it was observed by one of us (perhaps Wayne Gooding, perhaps John Gilks, perhaps Gianmarco Segato; all … Continue reading →

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COC Podcast

Posted on August 25, 2012 by barczablog

The conversation about the arts is as much about the audience as it is about the art.  If you’re marketing the question can be one of identification (who’s coming to see/hear) as much as how to find, connect with and … Continue reading →

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Debussy by Design

Posted on August 23, 2012 by barczablog

Today is Debussy’s 150th birthday, the occasion for a recent series of posts about the seminal composer & writer: Unfinished Sympathy (Aug 21) Debussy and the writers  (Aug 19) Debussy Sesqui (Aug 16) I’m going to talk about another aspect of the composer … Continue reading →

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Unfinished Sympathy

Posted on August 21, 2012 by barczablog

In the Tuesday gatherings of Mallarmé and his followers, poems, plays, or songs might be performed to an appreciative audience.  Nobody minded if the work being auditioned was unfinished.  A glimpse of a dream could be every bit as powerful.  … Continue reading →

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Debussy and the writers

Posted on August 19, 2012 by barczablog

Every now and then life gives us a glimpse of hidden meanings.  Maybe it’s all in our head, but even so one can’t help wondering.  Coincidences can seem like more than mere chance. In the 1990s I spent a few … Continue reading →

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Debussy Sesqui

Posted on August 16, 2012 by barczablog

“Sesquicentennial” –a word we don’t hear too often –means 150th anniversary. On August 22nd 1862, Claude-Achille Debussy came into the world.  In response I’m going to post a few times over the next week in my own personal sesquicentennial commemoration.  … Continue reading →

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Contracts renewed

Posted on August 7, 2012 by barczablog

My Canadian Opera Company ticket subscription arrived in the mail today.  I was never in doubt about renewing the tickets, still starry eyed by the new building and the overall quality of what we’ve been getting. Even so—I tell myself—it’s … Continue reading →

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Elwy’s impact

Posted on August 5, 2012 by barczablog

In August filmgoers’ thoughts turn to TIFF: the Toronto International Film Festival.  Founded in 1976, TIFF isn’t just a local event anymore, having become one of the most important festivals in the world, if not the single biggest showcase for … Continue reading →

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In common

Posted on August 3, 2012 by barczablog

Once every decade Sight and Sound magazine polls experts on film to determine which films are understood to be the best.  In 1962 they chose Citizen Kane best film, and every ten years since that time, they have returned Kane … Continue reading →

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