New York Philharmonic's Musical Diplomacy

Here's the New York Philharmonic's final encore from its historic concert in Pyongyang. It's called "Arirang," a traditional folk song that is treasured by both North and South Koreans, and it's actually quite beautiful. The concert featured Wagner's Prelude to Act III of Lohengrin, Dvorak's Ninth Symphony (From the New World), and Gershwin's An American in Paris.

This orchestra's trip to North Korea has generated considerable debate among critics. Alex Ross has posted a handy collection of links to some of the major commentary.

Personally, I'm skeptical of the lasting impact this performance will have on American/North Korean relations. Unlike some, I do not object to the concert itself. The prospect of Kim Jong-il using the orchestra as an effective propaganda tool is ridiculous. As his people are dying of starvation, Kim and his regime can't even provide electricity for much of the county. Who cares if he tries to spin it as a victory for the government? No one listens to him anyway. I'd like to believe that music has the capacity to transcend the sizable gulf between our two cultures. That's a idealistic view within the harsh reality of international power politics, but what's the harm in trying?