Listen and Watch

On April 9, 2007, the Classical music world experienced a shock of seismic proportions. Countless critics had been constantly proclaiming the death of classical music. The LA Philharmonic announced that its music director, composer-conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen, was stepping down and that Gustavo Dudamel was taking over. Gustavo Dudamel, who has spent less than three decades on the earth, seems to have the ability to change America’s perception of classical music. Until now, only the late Leonard Bernstein had this ability. When listening to Dudamel conduct, the ear hears only the excitement, joy, and pleasure of classical music. The eye sees one human being possessed by the music and able to transport the entire orchestra into the music. While critics may decry his “antics” and claim a lack of artistic sense, the audiences and orchestras will not be swayed by such dissonant nonsense. In my opinion, we need more of the reckless abandon and sheer pathos in performance that Dudamel displays. I had the opportunity to observe him rehearse for over two hours and I must say that man knows what he is doing. Classical music is alive and relevant. While all the intellectual pursuits inherent with classical music are important, music should never be sterile or intellectual. The music must always move the audience and stir the emotions.

Here is where you, the reader, must listen and watch.

• Watch as Gustavo Dudamel conducts Bernstein’s Mambo.
• Watch as Leonard Bernstein conducts the closing of Mahler’s Resurrection.
• Watch as Jacqueline du Pre, a tragic story in and of itself, emotes the Elgar cello concerto.
• Watch as Gil Shaham plays part of Sarasate’s Carmen Fantasy.
• Watch as Seiji Ozawa conducts Khachaturian’s Sabre Dance.