Watching, Judging and Yet, Inspiring
For those who know me well, you’re aware that I dedicate a lot of time to studying scores and orchestral conducting.
How do you find that kind of time? they say.
I always thought it was because I don’t play golf.
My fellow classmates at Juilliard can attest that while studying conducting, it feels as though there’s an ever-present elder closely observing your every move.
Upon my last visit to Milan I had the opportunity to visit La Scala opera house where the spirit of the legendary conductor Arturo Toscanini seemed to hover over my shoulder.
The bonus… I attended an afternoon rehearsal of Turandot. Got to visit the orchestra pit and stand at the famed podium.
Toscanini: The Legacy
I look at his results. The performances, the books and letters of musicians that played in his orchestra and their unrelenting admiration, despite the angry rage.
His stand against fascism. But mostly, his steadfast desire to always work to reveal the composer’s intentions of a piece. His place was to be in service to the composer, and his results were masterful.
He had a remarkable ability to make an orchestral melody “sing.” (And not just slow a piece down to make it more “dramatic” to impress an audience of people that may not know the score.)
He served the composer, not critics and not the audience. Very rare. Not sure how that works in this day and age. However, studying Toscanini’s conducting is a lesson in what to do, as much as what not to do, and much can be learned from his extraordinary life, even though he was a tyrannical leader.
He certainly informed my personal mission statement as an arts administrator.
Is there an elder that you believe is listening to you while you practice?
My Favorite Toscanini Quotes:
After I die, I shall return to earth as a doorman of a bordello and I won’t let any of you enter!
Can’t you read? The score demands ‘con amore’, and what are you doing? You are playing it like married men!
Critics:
If you want to please the critics, don’t play too loud, too soft, too fast, too slow.
And of course:
I kissed my first girl and smoked my first cigarette on the same day. I haven’t had time for tobacco since.
