Commentary
What a great year 2022 was for classical music recordings: the canon, new music, neglected music – all of it was well-represented and from all comers.
An homage to Grace Paley, one of the great American writers of the 20th century.
“We have entered an age of unequivocal partisan discourse, of linguistic robotization, of tiny symbols standing for complex emotions. In total contrast to this, Philippe Jaccottet’s writing constantly shows nuance, attentiveness, perseverance, circumspection, and a genuine quest for essential truths.”
Freedom of expression is a more precious commodity than taste. Conservative critics were very clear about their moral imperative; they confidently vilified artists and terrorized institutions. No one won the culture wars — we lost them.
Daniel S. Medwed demonstrates just how astronomical the odds are against anyone who tries to question a guilty verdict, no matter how suspect the conviction.
What is literature if it doesn’t kick you in the ass every now and then and get you to act? Maybe that’s what the Nobel committee thought when it awarded Annie Ernaux this year’s Literature Prize.
Jazz, in particular, seemed to not merely satisfy Justin Freed’s inner cravings for beauty, but it led him outwards, to others, eventually inspiring some of the key relationships in his life.
Our critics salute three memorable films — anti-fascist (Cabaret), anti-capitalist (The Ruling Class), and anti-war (Slaughterhouse-Five) — that turned fifty this year. Perfect viewing for the holidays.
Do we feel the environment breakdown in our gut? Will people looking back see art that conveyed the existential threat of the emergency?
Arts Feature: Best Movies (With Some Disappointments) of 2022
Our demanding critics choose the best films (along with some disappointments) of the year. And there is plenty of disagreement.
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