American composers reflect on the state of music criticism in America today Carolyn Yarnell

American composers reflect on the state of music criticism in America today Carolyn Yarnell

The role of the critic in American music today is indeed a difficult subject to tackle. I have been sitting at my computer for hours trying to think of something worthwhile to say and it is just not happening… It boils down to this: if I get a rave review, I think, “Now, there is… Read more »

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NewMusicBox Staff



The role of the critic in American music today is indeed a difficult subject to tackle. I have been sitting at my computer for hours trying to think of something worthwhile to say and it is just not happening… It boils down to this: if I get a rave review, I think, “Now, there is someone who knows what he is talking about,” and if I get a derogatory review, I write him off as a cretin…

In my opinion, some of the most insightful music critics are Kyle Gann, Thomas Goss, Bernard Holland, Charles Michener, Tim Page, Andrew Porter. Fortunately, the insensitive clods, I have forgotten.

The state of music criticism in America is uncertain, as well as its impact it on the community—especially due to the global situation and the impending extraterrestrial take over…