Author: ethanlitwin

Life-long New Yorker. Graduate of Duke University and Georgetown Law. Solicitor of England and Wales. Recognized by Chambers & Partners, The Legal 500, Global Competition Review, Super Lawyers and others as one of the leading antitrust litigators in the United States. Former Chairman and current Board member of Gingold Theatrical Group. Former Young Patron Board member at the Met Opera.

Interlude: A black day in history

On this day in 1980, John Lennon was killed outside of his home at the corner of 72nd Street and Central Park West. That the great poet of love would meet his end in such violent fashion remains one of the cruelst ironies of life. Like those composers before him who died prematurely, Lennon left … Continue reading Interlude: A black day in history →

Telemann and Opera

Telemann’s operas have fallen largely out of favor:  I cannot recall one being given a major production in my lifetime in NYC.  That is unfortunate, as he and Handel were responsible for essentially creating the Germanic opera tradition.  Here is a selection from his best-known opera, Der geduldige Socrates. Rodisette’s Aria, which is occasionally selected … Continue reading Telemann and Opera →

Baroque Music VIII: Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767)

If you grew up playing classical music, I’d wager that you played something by Georg Philipp Telemann.  The odds would be in my favor—he composed about 3000 works over his lifetime (more than Bach and Handel, combined).  Granted, he had a very long career to do so, having been a child prodigy on several instruments … Continue reading Baroque Music VIII: Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767) →

Interlude: A Thanksgiving

As we gather with our families and friends to give thanks this November 25th, my mind drifted, relatedly, to St. Catherine of Alexandria, whose feast day coincides this year with our Thanksgiving Day.  St. Catherine’s story is literally one of legend.  Converted to Christianity at 14, she protested against the persecution of Christians under the … Continue reading Interlude: A Thanksgiving →

Thanksgiving Treat: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons

Much like my wife's bacon stuffing at Thanksgiving, this list would not be complete without Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, easily the most famous work of the Baroque Era, despite first entering the modern repertoire in the 1950s. It is an endlessly fun piece to play. First, let’s start with a very historically accurate performance. By all … Continue reading Thanksgiving Treat: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons →