The death has been announced of Pierre Boulez, the most influential French musician of his time and also the most divisive.
He was 90 and has been bedridden for almost two years.
More follows. First assessment here.
‘The conscience of new music’ here.
Boulez talks here.
An exemplary obituary here.
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And yet another death.
It’s one third of the whole blog
The celestial orchestra has one new member…
…. What!?
Most probably on the celeste!
Are you sure there is one? I think in heaven there is heavenly silence.
The orchestras are down there where most of the musicians go.
The Iceman Goeth. Not a fan of his music – not a bit. Not much of a music critic: despised Sibelius and Tchaikovsky (he could only dream of being as well loved). But his Mahler is revelatory. Not to all tastes, but surely a legitimate approach. RIP
Boulez was in my opinion the reincarnation of the real renaissance alchemist. And one of those rare composers with a greatness comparable with Bach and Beethoven, to mention only two big examples.
Could you back that up with some evidence?
Alchemist is not a flattering allegory me thinks.
Alchemists were people who always promised (to make gold) but never delivered, correct?
!
Oh really! So many comments that are more about the commenters than about PB. Can we just chill the snark and remember this man who was an influential force in 20th century music?
Yes, alright. But his followers really troubled us young vulnerable composers in their insistence on elevating him in our minds, and PB made some outrageous statements which disparaged the establishment such as that “opera is dead”. He said that “History seems more than ever to me a great burden. In my opinion we must get rid of it once and for all”. A very interesting and valid remark. But the rest of the world in its adulation of PB is to make him a part of History.
“History seems more than ever to me a great burden. In my opinion we must get rid of it once and for all”
That’s one of the most stupid things I have ever heard. Hoepfully the context is missing, which would bring some sense to the otherwise crazy brainfart.
It would represent the complete loss of man’s natural roots and physical existence. Something not even a robot could wish for.
Maybe he envisioned ‘The Matrix’. “There” his wish would become “reality”.
RIP this titanic genius. Music of breathtaking beauty. Here’s my playlist of everything I could find on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9teUCtYCMcSz-9XVQa5Idb_cVuUZ2ob1
We know what happened to the ‘Titanic’.
The last true musical giant of our time in no more. We are sad never to have heard his like again.
The last!!!!??? Goodness gracious
Mr. Borstlap is going to cry very much.
I tried to, but it’s hard.
Here in Cleveland we will sorely miss Mr. Boulez. He shepherded the Cleveland Orchestra through a tough transition period just after Szell’s death and maintained a musical relationship with the Orchestra for almost 50 years. He always brought programs of challenging and envigorating repertoire — a wonderful contrast to the usual, predictable programming many orchestras offer. He treated the musicians with respect and kindness. It was touching to encounter him while on tour in Lucerne, where he could be seen riding public transportation or talking with one of us in the lobby of a hotel between rehearsals. We will not see his like again!
Mr. Lebrecht, ever since learning that Pierre Boulez had become terminally ill, I was wondering: who would have the guts to announce the headline of his demise in precisely the terms he used for Schönberg?
Somehow, I always hoped you would. And indeed you did, lightening the mood of this sad moment with the wry wit of which Boulez was so fond.
Given today’s date, we may say that Boulez has suffered a fatal epiphany.
It is truly awful to linger at death’s door for 2 years. One does not wish such end to anybody, not even to PB.
2 former NYPO music directors within a month… and Lorin Maazel’s departure was only 18 months ago.
Sad news, he leaves behind some excellent recordings and some of the best compositions of the 20th century.
BREAKING: JOHN BORSTLAP IS ALIVE AND WELL.
….. because of a vegetarian diet and lots of Beethoven.
In my country was known in the mid-40s as music director of the Théâtre de Marigny, Return uin the 90s as director and composers. Left a deep admiration for the audience.
Federico,
Argentina
PS: more information of these early activiti in the obituary of Telegraph
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/12084616/Pierre-Boulez-obituary.html
Norman: I hope you will reprint your magnificent Heroes and Villains essay from the Observer many years ago.