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Concert Review: Opera Meets Realpolitik — “Nixon in China” Resonates Amid the BSO’s Own Power Drama

April 1, 2026
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Last Friday night, conductor Andris Nelsons and the musicians came on stage together wearing red carnations as symbols of solidarity. The applause was immediate and fervent.

April Short Fuses — Materia Critica

April 1, 2026
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Each month, our arts critics — music, book, theater, dance, television, film, and visual arts — fire off a few brief reviews.

Visual Art Review: “Imagined Nation” and the Unfinished Work of American Democracy

April 1, 2026
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In light of our current government, the show provides inspiration from the past, and it serves as an invaluable reminder that democracy has never been static, but ever evolving.

Jazz Album Reviews: Ella and Bennett Revisited — April Varner Rises, John Pizzarelli Holds Back

March 31, 2026
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April Varner, a rising star in this new generation of female jazz singers—which happily seems full of them—pays homage to Ella Fitzgerald; John Pizzarelli’s recording is an early entry in the no-doubt long list of tributes celebrating Tony Bennett’s 100th birthday.

Jazz Concert Review: Gerald Clayton Trio at the Regattabar — Swing with Soul and Subtlety

March 30, 2026
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The relaxed intensity of the band was apparent from the get-go.

Theater Review: In “Giant” on Broadway, John Lithgow Towers Above the Material

March 30, 2026
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The play is preachy. But John Lithgow is magnificent.

Album Reviews: Latin Flair and Jazz Fire — Edward Simon and Alfredo Rodríguez Redefine the Songbook

March 30, 2026
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Strong albums from trios led by pianists Edward Simon and Alfredo Rodríguez.

Music Commentary: Brian Wilson’s Legacy Thrives — 2026 Reissues Reviewed

March 30, 2026
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Though Brian Wilson has left us, his enormous musical legacy lives on through a growing series of posthumous CD and vinyl reissues and books.

Coming Attractions: March 29 Through April 13 — What Will Light Your Fire

March 29, 2026
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Our expert critics supply a guide to film, visual art, theater, author readings, television, and music. More offerings will be added as they come in.

Book Review: “Mister Everywhere” — Pierre Rissient, the Unruly Champion of Cinema

March 29, 2026
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For half a century, cinephile, production assistant, filmmaker, press agent, producer, and programmer Pierre Rissient used all his powers to turn critical attention to filmmakers he took under his wing for their unusual personal vision.

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