Michael Tilson Thomas: I’ll be back
NewsOur session for Radio 3’s Lebrecht Interview with MTT lasted almost two hours and much of the sidebar stuff ended up in BBC bins.
However, not to be forgotten is Michael’s pledge to return to London in October … with nothing less than Mahler’s 2nd symphony.
The LSO concerts are on October 20 and 23 at the Barbican and it marks the start of fireworks for MTT’s 80th birthday year.
For a man who received a medical death sentence three years ago, he’s sounding pretty upbeat.
The Lebrecht Interview can be heard online for the next month here.
Great interview! And MTT sounds in fine fettle.
What a hero he is. Fight on, Michael – we are with you.
Who the hell would give this a thumbs down?
People who can’t tell the difference.
No, nasty people. The classical music world is full of them.
I’m convinced that there are people whose thumbs go through spasmodic episodes indiscriminately.
From your nuanced comments I doubt you’re one of them.
Maybe people like me who HAVE terminal cancer and are tired of being told we’re “bravely” “fighting” a disease when we’re just undergoing medical treatment and trying to live our lives as best we can, as people with any disease do. I’M not “battling” my cancer — my doctors are. I’m just trying to keep up my life in the meantime.
I mean, when I die, will that make me a “loser”?
Long may MTT conduct.
Miracles do happen… sometimes. May he live another decennium, at least.
He’s a fine mimic – I loved the Solti impersonation.
A great interview. Thanks
Long ago I witnessed MTT ( as the assistant conductor of the BSO on call) stepping in for an ailing the great William Steinberg mid performance with the Boston Symphony at Symphony Hall Boston to continue a subscription performance of( if memory serves) the Mahler 9th.
I was a young usher at Symphony Hall then as a student at Boston College. It was, I think 1969 or 1970. Steinberg was ill with a heart condition which eventually did him in. Then came Seiji Ozawa.
Norman I hope you can one day release extended ‘director’s cut’ versions of the interviews
Splendid interview, Norman. I grew up in the record business and remember seeing an early LP of MTT as a kid pianist on (I think) DGG…fast forward to life in the Bay Area wondering how this kid could replace Blomstedt on the SF Symphony Podium…He did it well for 25 plus years. He sounds like he could go another 25, diagnosis be damned.
That kid blossomed quite early. He made his classic Tchaikovsy 1st with the BSO in his mid-20s. Personally I find the recording’s reputation well deserved.
What an absolutely outstanding interview! Everyone should hear this. Great work Norman!
Fantastic interview. SO grateful I could listen Downunder.
The miracles if modern technology certainly make growing old a little easier.
Thank you, Norman.
For the interview not the technology.