Interesting thoughts Dan. I agree with you that good, critical review of books, movies, art, music is necessary, even if the review is not stellar. But all too often when I read reviews I wonder who is behind the review itself. What is their true motive for writing a particular review. Was it for money like you say, or for fame, or is it serving some personal vendetta? In addition, I often think, especially for opera reviews, that the reviewer either has no ears to hear, or has absolutely no idea what beautiful singing is. They are there for the spectacle, the aura of the show, and not to be wowed by truly gorgeous singing. This distresses me. But alas, I agree with you that anyone who does not attend a show based on the review of someone else, is denying themselves the ability to judge for themselves what art is, what they like, how they perceive the work to be of value to them and the world. I admit however that I am somewhat guilty of this especially when it comes to movies! I use IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes. On occasion I will watch a move that gets panned and am sometimes pleasantly surprised! Thanks Dan for writing this. I want to read everything you write. You are a brilliant writer!
Interesting thoughts Dan. I agree with you that good, critical review of books, movies, art, music is necessary, even if the review is not stellar. But all too often when I read reviews I wonder who is behind the review itself. What is their true motive for writing a particular review. Was it for money like you say, or for fame, or is it serving some personal vendetta? In addition, I often think, especially for opera reviews, that the reviewer either has no ears to hear, or has absolutely no idea what beautiful singing is. They are there for the spectacle, the aura of the show, and not to be wowed by truly gorgeous singing. This distresses me. But alas, I agree with you that anyone who does not attend a show based on the review of someone else, is denying themselves the ability to judge for themselves what art is, what they like, how they perceive the work to be of value to them and the world. I admit however that I am somewhat guilty of this especially when it comes to movies! I use IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes. On occasion I will watch a move that gets panned and am sometimes pleasantly surprised! Thanks Dan for writing this. I want to read everything you write. You are a brilliant writer!