Film of Klemperer's rehearsals for his last concert in 1971.

Posted by: George Fredrik on 06 July 2012

Here is a film that may show to those who wonder what purpose a conductor serves, what a great conductor actually does do.

 

In some ways, possibly far less than might be expected, but actually far more than might be dreamed of!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4AnX4HiEaM&feature=related

 

What is apparent is an immense level of concentration, both from the players, but also the conductor.It is also clear that there is a huge respect between all concerned for the music and each other ...

 

ATB from George

Posted on: 07 July 2012 by Gale 401

George,

Thanks for that.

Stu.

Posted on: 07 July 2012 by Gale 401

George,

Whats the name of that Klemperer book you have?

I want to get a copy.

Regards,

Stu.

Posted on: 07 July 2012 by George Fredrik

It was called:

 

"Klemperer Stories."

 

It was a parallel issue to the more famous "Beecham Stories."  Of course Beecham's stories were more immediately witty, but Klemperer's wit was actually much deeper, and he frequently made valid points without a sledge hammer of over-statement.

 

There was a time when he was nearly as old as in this film, that the Japanese Ambassador in London invited him to Japan in a couple of years time to conduct Beethoven ...

 

Klemperer replied, somewhat whistefully, " Can you be sure that Japan will still be alive and up its former glory, when I am able to come to you?"

 

About the book, it does appear on Amazon dot uk as second hand sometimes.

 

ATB from George

 

 

Posted on: 07 July 2012 by Gale 401

George,

Thanks for the info.

I  just love some of the quotes Otto came out with over the years..

I would loved to of had him as my music teacher.

Stu.



Posted on: 07 July 2012 by George Fredrik

Dear Stuart,

 

You get some idea just how direct Klemperer could be from the rehearsal sequences in the film [in the first post], ranging from ,

 

"That is not good."

 

to

 

"Very good, very good, ..."

 

This dealing with an orchestra who were devoted to him after nearly twenty years, but his sense of humour was usually of the slow burn variety. You see the point somewhat later!

 

ATB from George

Posted on: 07 July 2012 by Gale 401

George,

Brilliant stuff.

I got my understanding of the man and his music from you. 

I had never heard of him until i met you on here and in real life.

Stu.

Posted on: 07 July 2012 by GML
Originally Posted by Gale 401:

George,

Brilliant stuff.

I got my understanding of the man and his music from you. 

I had never heard of him until i met you on here and in real life.

Stu.

Same here Stu.

 

A big thanks to our dear friend, George.

Posted on: 07 July 2012 by Gale 401

George,

The BT phone batts crashed.

The other one is ok.

Hope you feel better and will call you tomorrow.

Put that Hyden quote up.

Stu.

Posted on: 07 July 2012 by George Fredrik

Well, a thought has struck me. Klemperer was a protege of Gustav Mahler, and made his first conducting success in 1909 in Mahler's music with an off-stage band. So he had a huge career ,,, from 1909 till 1971.

 

Even if he were a mere mortal, his contribution to music making in the 20th. century is without parallel for duration! But the quality was also there.

 

ATB from George

Posted on: 07 July 2012 by George Fredrik

With respect to Stuart's replay, Haydn - like Klemperer - lived to a huge age, and was sadly so infirm that he became unable to write music down. His tunes made him a prisoner. He complained that they almost drove him mad ...

 

Klemperer was naturally enough a great conductor of Haydn's music, and fully understood the sublime qualities in it [similar to Bach] but also the ribald and earthy quality to be found. Mozart was more cerebral, and not necessarily more profound, though had he lived to Haydn's age there is no telling where music might have gone. We might not even have heard of Beethoven in that case!

 

ATB from George