ALTVIOOL KAPOT

The Failblog keeps on givin', folks (this time via Collaborative Piano). You'll recognize the hapless violist as our hero Yuri Bashmet—I'm not sure what piece that is; the comments section here tells us it's the "Concerto-Poeme" by Roman Medneyev (see update below), but I can't find any information on a composer by that name. The instrument, we're told, is a 1758 Testore. I'm sure it's fine now. UPDATE: I think the piece is the Poema (or "Concert-Poem") by Roman Ledenev, Op. 13. There don't seem to be any recordings available, besides an old Melodiya LP.

Beethoven Lives Upstairs...

(From the Failblog, natch.) Loyal reader Greg wonders if this reminds anybody else of the Karl van Beethoven custody battle. Indeed, it would explain a lot.