The Maestro and Madonna – it must be the date from hell

The Maestro and Madonna – it must be the date from hell

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norman lebrecht

January 03, 2011

I had to read this twice to make sure the hangover hadn’t turned into a Bruckner nightmare, but even in the cold light of day it appears that the conductor Christian Thielemann has told the Berliner Morgenpost that he’d like to spend some time with Madonna.

‘I find this woman fascinating,’ said Thiely. ‘Not just musically…. I’d like to get to know Madonna a whole lot better.’ Click the link above for the full sticky and sweet interview in German. 

Now I know that opposites attract, but this is just silly. Madonna is a rabbi-quoting kabbalah freak who drops her clothes for artistic purposes and lines up for all the right – that is, left – causes. The German conductor is a noted conservative in social outlook and deficient – until now – in any notable appreciation of foreign, popular and feminine culture. 
What on earth might they say to one another? And what do they do for a second date? Can you see Madge summering in Bayreuth or Thiely smoking spliffs backstage at her next Tel Aviv gig?
This is not so much a date as celebrity mania gone berserk. It could be the basis for a reality television version of Jean-Paul Sartre’s Huits Clos, a date that runs and runs until one of the dates shrieks ‘I’m a Maestro, Get Me Out of Here’ and the band strikes up the opening of Götterdämmerung. In your dreams…

Comments

  • Darolo says:

    What the hell is wrong with wanting to meet someone who ‘ fascinates’ you??
    Madonna loves classical music too and anything cultural. I think they would have plenty to talk about, it would be interesting for both of them coming from different genres. If it ever happened, and I don’t see why not, people should refrain from placing silly connotations on it.
    Madonna engineers meetings with people who ‘fascinate’ her!!!!

  • Petros Linardos says:

    I agree with Darolo.
    Mr. Lebrecht, while I regularly read your blog and appreciate the insights you share with us, I feel that in the above article you quote Thielemann out of context. Let’s read the full quote:
    ————
    Ich finde diese Frau faszinierend. Nicht nur musikalisch. Die Stimme, jooh, na ja. Aber als Gesamtphänomen bewundere ich diese Künstlerin. Wie sie sich immer wieder neu erfindet. Wie sie ganze Moderichtungen prägt und Stiltrends setzt. Das ist unglaublich.
    I find this woman fascinating. Not only musically. The voice jooh, well. But as a general phenomenon I admire this artist. How she keeps reinventing herself. How she [sets trends]. That is incredible.
    ————
    I agree with Thielemann. I see nothing funny about it.

  • Thomas P says:

    It’s clear Thielemann is wanting to burst out of his stuffed shirt…. He’s about that age, isn’t he?

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