Word: haitink
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Dates: during 1990-1999
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...nine year-old boy, spellbound by his first musical experience at the Concertgebouw, rises to become the orchestra's principal conductor at just 35 years of age. A little more than 25 years later, the dream comes to an end when Bernard Haitink decided to end his celebrated tenure with the Concertgebouw. Now, six years later, the classical label Philips documents Haitink's discographic achievements by compiling and re-releasing six of his symphonic cycles, namely Brahms, Beethoven, Bruckner, Mahler, Tchaikovsky, and Schumann...
...begin, one might consider that the tyrant-weary Berlin Philharmonic eyed him as a potential successor to von Karajan's chief conducting post, not necessarily for his musical worth, but because he was the one of the least oppressive candidates. This characteristic colors his entire artistic output--Haitink has been renowned for utter reliability and dependability, never for willful or idiosyncratic interpretations. Those seeking musical histrionics should look elsewhere. His sound can be counted on not to offend conventional acoustic sensibilities, but his middle-of-the-road path ensures that his interpretations will almost never be terribly memorable...
...conductor's work could be named a touchstone for musical integrity and honesty, it would be Haitink's. But by the very virtue of being the reference point, it precludes any claim at being truly exceptional. If Giuseppe Sinopoli is slightly curdled milk, and Carlos Kleiber five-alarm jalapeno peppers, then Haitink must be of the bread-and-butter variety--filling, but does it taste great...
...stars at Glyndebourne are the conductors -- Bernard Haitink led Figaro -- and the directors. Sir Peter Hall has done some of his best stagings here, as have Trevor Nunn and Jonathan Miller. But the key to Glyndebourne's success is the dozen or so coaches who prepare each opera meticulously. Beneficiaries liken their teaching to having a superb master class every day. Christie notes that "coaches have an awkward job mediating between the conductor and the singer. They need a feeling for what's best for the composer." Their ranks tend to be drawn from people on their way to becoming...