PERSPECTIVES
Beethoven’s music a true reflection of humanism
People enjoy a picnic concert by the Beethoven Orchestra Bonn at a park in Bonn, Germany, in June 2020, commemorating the 250th birthday of composer Ludwig van Beethoven
In Beethoven’s nine symphonies, reflection and sensation, mood and emotionality are intertwined in a completely new view in the context of time. Renowned American conductor Kent Nagano writes about his passion for music and the musical genius Ludwig van Beethoven. by Kent Nagano
I was introduced to Beethoven at an early age by my music teacher Wachtag Korisheli. He did so in a universal way, introducing him as a visionary composer within history including not only his music but also what he had written and the historical context of his life as well. To me the power and energy of my unbridled love of music comes from the never-ending affirmation that music is nature itself. Music was introduced not as technical knowledge but as power, drama and emotional beauty. Beethoven’s music is universally beloved, revered and has over time generated a consensus that it is a true reflection of humanism. His 250th anniversary provides a
moment to reflect upon the greatness of this artist and the works he left behind, and he is considered a fundament of our music history. I have always found his music to be above time, divorced from the constraining limits of mode, and reflecting certain truths — and people always need the truth. With his work, Beethoven has clearly and decisively influenced and participated in the structure of European concert life. In particular, through his symphonies and concert compositions, he created a new musical public — a public concert audience. This resulted in a certain institutionalizing of the musical structures in society though socio-structural ideas such as the orchestra, concert series,
memorials and festivals — key fibers of the European and global cultural fabric today. Within Beethoven’s musical work live the ideas which emerged from what we today call the “Enlightenment”. It is an expression of the humanitarian ideals and the human right to
©©Antoine Saito
Kent Nagano
34 Weltzeit 2 | 2020
is considered one of the outstanding conductors for both operatic and orchestral repertoire. He took up the position of general music director of the Hamburg State Opera and chief conductor of the Hamburg Philharmonic State Orchestra in September 2015. His role as music director of the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM) will end with the 2019/20 season after 15 years. In 2006 he was appointed honorary conductor of the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin and in 2019 of Concerto Köln, the Baroque orchestra with which he is working together on the project Wagner Readings. As a much sought-after guest conductor, Kent Nagano works with the world’s leading international orchestras, including the Munich Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra, Zurich Tonhalle Orchestra, Vienna Philharmonic, Concertgebouw Orchestra and Chicago Symphony Orchestra. In 2015, Kent Nagano published the book “Erwarten Sie Wunder!”, a passionate appeal for the relevance of classical music in today’s world. The book is also available in English and French.
