Christian Thielemann: Why I am no longer music director in Bayreuth
NewsThe conductor lays out his cards in an interview with BR Klassik:
‘Everything should change anyway and we thought about what was needed for that. Actually, the title “music director” is wrong. It sounds as if you have an influence on others. I’d rather say: he is an advisor when required. You have to let your colleagues take control of everything. And maybe the assistants do it even better when it comes to details. If someone asks me: What should I look out for in the piece? I could give you a few tips, but I don’t interfere with the tempos at all and don’t fool yourself – for God’s sake! I wouldn’t have found it nice myself if someone had done it to me.’
On Bayreuth’s first woman conductor Oksana Lyniv:
‘I don’t know her at all. I haven’t been to a single rehearsal because this year everyone who has nothing to do is not even allowed in. I think that’s right, because so many people come together: choir, technicians, etc. If this virus eats its way, then the festival is at risk. We must have discipline now and think about it. But people can always call me. And when there is a need, I am ready to help.’
Thielemann is the greatest conductor since Furtwängler.
We all love him.
Wishing it so doesn’t make it so.
I thought it was meant ironically.
Do not forget Nezet Seguin, it is neck and neck!!……
do not forget Nezet Seguin…. it is neck and neck….
Ken, you are right, to bed we did not have too many opports., to see him, did see him at Bayreuth Fest.and once in Carnegie Hall, you remember…..Best regards, Syl.
Taking a step back to let others flourish…almost as dignified as Hans Sachs.
“I don’t know her at all” = “not my cup of tea”
Reminds me of how Karl Lagerfeld reacted when questioned about Heidi Klum.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMf1qhHWaTM
Very entertaining.
Maybe for you.
From T’s first comment as quoted here, it seems he does not want to conduct at all but merely wave his arms uncommittedly.
“I don’t know her at all” raises two questions in my mind:
– Who hired Ms. Lyniv at Bayreuth, and what did they know about her?
– What responsibilities did Thielamann have as music director?
By the way, is Katharina Wagner back from her medical leave?
According to operabase, she has conducted one (1) Wagner opera
https://www.operabase.com/artists/oksana-lyniv-13312/repertoire/de
Seems to be enough these days…
Simone Young would need no advisor.
While the young unexperienced can be totally controlled from back-stage.
Love Simone, she is the real deal.
He doesn’t interfere at all except when a potential rival like Andris Nelsons was engaged and then interfered until he left.
The ex-trumpeter AN as “potential rival”?!!!
Ich lach mich tot!
Sorry I forgot he wasn’t threatened but merely protecting German culture. I think that excuse wore out it’s welcome ~ 80 years ago except of course with the neo-fascist crowd.
Thielemann has always been good at passive aggression.
CT
Cosima Thielemann
He is greatest ever conductor of Beethoven Saw the recordings in progress. Stunning!