My fondest memory

Beethoven Symphony No. 9

Gewandhaus Orchestra/blomstedt Accentus ACC20381 (2016)

When I was musical director at the Gewandhaus we performed Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 every New Year. It was a custom of the orchestra and it was a beloved occasion for everyone in Leipzig. The concerts were sold out a year ahead. But this was the first time it had appeared on a DVD. I viewed it to approve it for publication, so I watched very critically. But I was also touched by just seeing my musicians, because when you know an orchestra well it becomes your family. Here I could see them close up, not just for a second, as I do when I’m conducting. Then I have eye contact with everyone but it is brief. Some of the musicians were in the camera’s eye for several seconds and I could watch them and see how they look at the music. It’s wonderful to watch. I felt like a father watching his children play. There are so many different personalities, but they all have the same aim and are sparkled by the music and the joy of playing.