[And when Levine explains his approach, it is not just a theory. He has been called one of the world's great orchestra builders during his time at the Met.] So much has to do with what they do instinctively, what they do perfectly without having to rehearse it, how they interact with colleagues, ... whether what they give keeps getting bigger and bigger in the orchestra or whether they shrink somehow. |
All you have to do is ask any child, frankly. You don't have to ask a child development researcher if fathers make a difference. All kids will tell you that the presence of a father makes a big difference. |
Art has never been a popularity contest. |
Birgit was unique! Her voice, her artistry, her sense of humor and her friendship were in a class of their own. I was so fortunate to hear her sing many times over the years, and eventually to work with her on several memorable occasions with Wagner and Strauss. |
I find it always sad when there's something that means a lot to me in music and there are people who can't get the exposure to it ever to understand it, let alone love it. |
I really recommend the following. Before you're going to hear a piece, any piece, for the first time, don't do anything. Just go an hour early and read the program notes. Then you have some idea about how long it is, the instrumentation, what the idea of it is, the pure general shell. Then, when the piece is played, don't fight with it. Listen to it. And if you find anything that fascinates you, then here's the important thing: Go hear it again, soon. |
I very rarely have clients who want posed group shots before the wedding. They'd rather I capture the quiet moments -- a stolen kiss between the bride and groom before they enter their reception as a married couple. |
I'd rather they come an hour before and read the program notes, so that they have some slight introduction to what they're going to hear. Then I recommend the most important thing of all. Listen, don't fight. |
Most people treat the office manual the way they treat a software manual. They never look at it. |
My 40th year will be '10-11 and we will have another two years to go to complete the new Ring, and I committed to Peter that I would stay that long in any case. |
Nobody regrets this more than I do. |
People are turning away from the more formal, traditionally posed wedding photos to a more intimate and natural approach, |
The more I work on his pieces, I find that their fundamental life energy is irresistible, and it increases. It's such marvelous music, with such personality, thought and care and detail. We have a number of very marvelous composers, but to see Elliott at this age so enthusiastic, wanting to do it and being able to do it, is amazing. |
We do not seem to be finding tomorrow's Toscas. |