Not the dead poet-

If you haven't already noticed, Thomas May (not the dead poet), who is easily among the very best music writers of our era, recently began a blog called Memeteria. I find this delightful for two reasons: the first is because his writing has always been extremely informative, insightful, and straightforward; second, there's been a lot discussion and hand-wringing lately about the current state and uncertain future of classical music blogs and I find it refreshing (and reassuring) that one of the best in the business has decided to sit down at the table. All is not lost, Ms. Fine.

May has posted a link to his article for the world premiere of Tobias Picker's Dolores Claiborne, which opens at San Francisco Opera next week and after reading it my interest level in the new work, already high, rose substantially. He's also linked to a very interesting article by Philip Kennicott which recently appeared in The New Republic about the state of American orchestras that was, as May put it, "substantial and thought provoking," especially when one thinks about the San Francisco Symphony, which is in some ways following the ominous tide (as seen by Kennicott) and in others obstinately swimming against it (and I recommend you do read the comments). That's just for starters- May is always worth reading and he's a prolific poster. Check him out.