What our profession is all about is interacting with people. |
Why does Beethoven appeal and continue to appeal? Other than the obvious (his having written great music), Beethoven communicates a credo so effectively that the listener finds the courage he needs to reaffirm his own belief in the purpose of life. Beethoven stiffens the fiber of our commitment in a language that is beauty itself, in a statement as open as a Greek temple. Friend Beethoven is the one friend we shall always have. |
You encourage, you push and pull. You look out at your colleagues and say, 'Yes, you can.' To bring [performers] past the limitations of their own potential is leadership. All fine leaders conducting from the podium have that. Emotion is what it's all about. Music-making without emotion and passion is nothing. I'm never looking for a perfect performance, I'm looking for an impassioned performance. |
[So whether you're devoted to the classical standards, crave something new, or look to deepen your understanding of a new work or an old favorite, the Philharmonic has your ticket to excitement:] The concert hall, ... is a place for controversy, for people who will stand up and scream 'We hate it!' and people who will stand up and scream 'We love it!' A major orchestra has to put forth the great masterpieces that have stirred, and continue to stir, assent and dissent. |