a retrospective playing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a retrospective playing" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to describe a performance or interpretation that looks back at past works or styles, but the phrasing is awkward. Example: "The concert featured a retrospective playing of classic jazz pieces, showcasing the evolution of the genre."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

By Anthony Lane Anybody who attends "The Cruel Stories of Nagisa Oshima," a retrospective playing at BAM through April 14, will feel the need to ask: what is the nature of that cruelty, and where does it reside?

The New Yorker

By Penelope Gilliatt There is a retrospective playing now (at the Library and Museum of the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center) of all the movies that Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn ever made together.

The New Yorker

There is a retrospective playing now (at the Library and Museum of the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center) of all the movies that Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn ever made together.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

You can walk the Tate retrospective playing "spot the references," knowing that the artist wasn't borrowing the styles of others but acutely critiquing them. .

Vice

Manneh wasn't carded on the play, but MLS stepped in and handed down a retrospective punishment for "serious foul play".

The Guardian - Sport

Coming after a 1998 film about this 17th-century Italian painter, both a new play and a retrospective of her paintings are opening in February.

The New York Times

Because this was a retrospective study, recall bias may play a role.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

O.K., that's not what they're calling it, but it is a retrospective of vintage "King Kong" films, playing Dec. 16 to Dec. 18 at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood.

The New York Times

A NEW show at the Pompidou Centre, devoted to the work of Jean-Luc Godard, the bad boy of French New Wave cinema, is divided into two parts: a retrospective of Mr Godard's films plays in one hall while the director himself has been given carte blanche to create an exhibition in a second space.

The Economist

The war imagery studding the play's battles of the sexes had a retrospective millennial feel in 2000, but, post 9/11, has a more disturbing resonance.

The Guardian

Carl Burger: A Retrospective".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a retrospective, consider using more common and grammatically sound phrases such as "retrospective exhibition", "retrospective screening", or "retrospective series".

Common error

Avoid using the verb "playing" directly after "a retrospective". This combination sounds unnatural. Instead, specify what is being shown or presented, such as "a retrospective exhibition" or "a retrospective screening".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a retrospective playing" functions as a noun phrase followed by a verb, attempting to describe an event or series of events that showcases past works. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrasing is awkward and not standard English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a retrospective playing" is an uncommon and somewhat awkward way to describe an event showcasing past works. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrasing is not standard English. While it appears primarily in news and media contexts, it is advisable to use more common and grammatically correct alternatives such as "a retrospective screening" or "a retrospective exhibition" to ensure clarity and professionalism in your writing. Given its rarity and grammatical issues, it's best to avoid this phrase in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a retrospective exhibition

Emphasizes the exhibition aspect, focusing on the display of past works.

a retrospective screening

Highlights the screening of films or videos from the past.

a retrospective series

Focuses on a series of events or presentations looking back at a particular topic or creator.

a career-spanning showcase

This option focuses on the presentation of work over a career.

a look back at

This suggests a general overview or summary of past events.

a historical survey

This suggests a methodical or academic examination of events.

a commemorative performance

This implies a performance done in remembrance or celebration of something past.

a journey through

Suggests a guided exploration of past experiences or works.

past performances revisited

Highlights the act of revisiting or re-examining old performances.

classic works revisited

Focuses on revisiting classic works of art, literature, or music.

FAQs

What's a more appropriate way to describe a retrospective of films or performances?

Instead of "a retrospective playing", consider using phrases like "a retrospective screening" for films, or "a retrospective exhibition" for a broader range of works.

Is "a retrospective playing" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "a retrospective playing" is not considered standard English. It's better to use more precise and common alternatives.

What does "a retrospective" generally refer to?

"A retrospective" typically refers to a comprehensive exhibition or compilation of an artist's or creator's past works, providing an overview of their career or a specific period.

What can I say instead of "a retrospective playing" when talking about past events?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a look back at", "historical survey", or "classic works revisited".