The Best of 2004

The New York Times > Arts > Culture: "Critics' and editors' selections of the year's best in art, books, dance, music, television, theater and movies.

ART & DESIGN
The Memories - http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/26/arts/design/26kimm.html
By MICHAEL KIMMELMAN
The moving retrospective of the Japanese photographer Shomei Tomatsu at the Japan Society was among the highlights of the year.

BOOKS - http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/12/books/review/12TENBEST.html
The 10 Best Books of 2004
This year's list, chosen by the Book Review, consists of five novels, a short-story collection, a memoir, two biographies and a historical study.

DANCE - http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/26/arts/dance/26kiss.html
A Year to Celebrate Balanchine's and Ashton's Hundredths
By ANNA KISSELGOFF
Highlights of the year in dance include: the centennial celebrations of George Balanchine and Frederick Ashton, the rescue of the Dance Theater of Harlem and more.

MUSIC - http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/12/arts/music/12reco.html
The Best Classical Albums of 2004
The classical music critics of The New York Times list their favorite recordings of the year. Includes audio samples and links to related reviews.

The Best Jazz Albums of 2004 - http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/26/arts/music/26ratl.html
By BEN RATLIFF
Joe Lovano's graceful ballads, Elvin Jones's last session with his brother and Soweto Kinch's debut album were among the highlights of the year.

TELEVISION - http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/26/arts/television/26stan.html
The Year of the Parasitic Posse
By ALESSANDRA STANLEY
HBO's series "Entourage," the sex-crimes spinoff "Law & Order SVU" and the presidential debates were among the year's highlights.

THEATER - http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/26/theater/newsandfeatures/26bran.html
Murder, Suicide and Pestilence. Bravo!
By BEN BRANTLEY
The chief theater critic for The Times shares his favorite moments in theater in 2004. "