Word: vanguardism
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...ironic that Michael Walzer's chapter on the general historical patterns of revolutions emphasizes the political relationships between the intellectual vanguard and mass uprisings of the English, French, Russian and Chinese revolutions. His concern seems almost narcissistic--the former Harvard professor certainly fits the bill of today's radical intelligentsia. At least, he must conceive of himself as a bright light in the revolutionary vanguard. But Walzer is not so easy to pin down. He emphasizes that his writings have been for the most part politically motivated. Still, his most engaging work wanders into the realm of abstract generalities, indulging...
...unflinching mandarin elites. Walzer, thus, justifies his own commitment to radical principles as the ground work for his passive vision of a just society. But he does not completely abandon the revolutionary zeal of his earlier years. In the '80s, he cannot reasonably expect to form an intellectual vanguard for a socialist revolution, but he can justify his moral theorizing with Rousseau's dictum--"If I were prince or a legislator, I should not waste time in saying what wants doing; I should do it, or hold my peace." Today's liberals ought to take Walzer seriously, for, perhaps...
...Notte--Four "night" works by as many composers, including Mozart's "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik." The surprise of the set, performed by the Lucerne Festival Strings, is Boccherini's evocative quintet, "Night Music of the Streets of Madrid," which alone is worth the price of admission. (Vanguard...
Concert of Early Music--This anthology offered up by Musica Reservata of London would serve as an excellent introduction to the pleasures of Middle Ages and Renaissance music. Twenty-five short pieces, in a variety of styles, handsomely performed on a veritable armory of old instruments. (Vanguard...
Rameau: Harpsichord Suites--English harpsichordist Trevor Pinnock, whose stature mounts with each new recording, has embarked on a complete Rameau set. Three volumes of these engaging, witty, sometimes wry pieces are rich with rewarding moments and Pinnock's formidable technique. (Vanguard...