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Home , Andris Nelsons, Aribert Reimann, Barylli Quartet, Bruno Walter, Clemens Krauss, Herbert von Karajan

. . I | FRIDAY,DECEMBER 27, 2013 ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT INTERNATIONAL NEW YORK TIMES INTERNATIONAL NEW YORK TIMES ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT FRIDAY,DECEMBER 27, 2013 | II

The Philharmonic Orchestra at the New Year’s concert of 2013, THE VIENNA conducted by Franz Welser-Möst. PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA CENTER STAGE NEW YEAR’S CONCERT RINGS IN 2014 Talking to Daniel Barenboim, conductor of the 2014 New Year’s concert with the Orchestra, it is hard not to be swept along by the enthusiasm he brings to all his projects. At one moment, he recalls with pleasure the rapturously received concert perfor- mances of the epic Wagner ‘‘Ring’’ cycle at PHILOSOPHY AND TRADITION the 2013 Proms (held over the course of a week), where he instructed his AN ORCHESTRA UNLIKE ANY OTHER orchestra to ‘‘tell the whole story through the music.’’ At another moment, he speaks with The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra is a as the State Opera was called then, decided equal excitement about the short pieces name instantly recognizable in the wider to present a series of concerts independ- that make up the forthcoming New Year’s

world, in large part thanks to its celebrated ently. It is a unique institution, entirely self-gov- program in the Musikverein in Vienna. The RITTERSHAUS New Year concerts, which are broadcast live erning and independent, and the orchestra’s concert will mark 25 years of Barenboim’s in more than 80 countries every year, but also president and general manager are elected association with the Vienna Philharmonic as because of the consistently high quality of its by members of the orchestra. a conductor, and, as he points out, consider- MONIKA music-making, both in Vienna and abroad. Clemens Hellsberg, first violinist and pres- ably more years as a soloist. Clearly The 2014 New Year’s concert marks 25 years of Daniel Barenboim’s association with the VPO. The Vienna Philharmonic’s structure and ident, says: ‘‘Playing in the Golden Hall as a the occasion will be a celebratory affair. ways of working have endured for 171 years, member of the Vienna Philharmonic orches- Asked about the particular qualities of he says, referring to Johann Strauss II, ‘‘was being played on a plane or in an elevator, you ever since musicians from the Court Opera, tra makes one aware that our predecessors such a long-established orchestra, Baren- a lifelong friend of Brahms.’’ Far from being hear it without really listening, but having it in played under the of , boim praises the players for their desire to easy to conduct, the Strauss waltzes need aconcert forces the public to listen.’’ Baren- that they played in front of , make significant individual contributions particular treatment, the maestro insists, boim calls the piece ‘‘a masterpiece.’’ sitting next to Antonin Dvorak; that Gustav while at the same time achieving the re- with a variety of articulation and phrasing in ‘‘The secret of the ‘Blue ,’’’ he Mahler conducted the orchestra; that Richard markable homogeneous sound for which order to attain the famous Viennese lilt. says, ‘‘is in its magical introduction. There is

Strauss conducted many, many concerts.’’ SCHUSTER the Vienna Philharmonic is renowned. Discussing the planning of the program a sense of expectation that is bewildering.’’ The musicians perform double duties as Barenboim first conducted the orches- for the concert, he says that it was much Barenboim is adhering to along tradition the orchestra for the , tra’s New Year’s concert in 2009, and he ex- more difficult to construct aseries of small of not revealing the exact lineup of the con- with whom they give some 300 performanc- RICHARD claims: ‘‘I was stunned at the degree of curi- pieces than it would have been to place a cert program until just before the event, but es a year, and working with a series of guest LINKE osity that the players brought to such single Bruckner symphony on the program. he does reveal that the program will contain conductors rather than (as is the case in appropriate for that player to continue as a promoters on the choice of program for each promotion of new music. With a history of familiar music. They were so alive and inter- He acknowledges that there is adanger of a piece by another Viennese with most orchestras) with a chief conductor. TERRY member. concert. Conductors initially express their nearly 300 premiered works by the Vienna ested, engaged in avoyage of discovery, having simply a concert of encores, and for the surname Strauss, the great operatic ‘‘Daily work in the opera is artistically very Clemens Hellsberg, first violinist and president of Flury points out that ‘‘for those very few preferences, and choices are made depend- Philharmonic, explains Flury, there is astrong MARKING THE VIOLENT BIRTH OF THE 20TH CENTURY and yet with so much knowledge.’’ this reason he was eager to find connec- composer , who is unrelated important for the orchestra,’’ says Dieter the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. cases where a member does not keep up the ing on other pieces played in the season or in desire to continue this tradition. Few single events have shaped history 100 years later, the Vienna Philharmonic, Austrian soul, which is sometimes so As for the waltz music of the Strauss tions between the pieces and to make units to the Johann Strauss family. What better Flury, first flutist and the orchestra’s general level, a social solution has to be found. With- recent seasons. ‘‘We are privileged that even with so-called in as catastrophic a way as the two gun- under the baton of Franz Welser-Möst, will close to the grave.’’ Brahms’s choral work family, Barenboim emphasizes that it forms of works within the program. way to mark 2014, the 150th anniversary of manager and artistic director. ‘‘The singing There is astrict process for joining the Vi- out a chief conductor, it has to be part of the Orchestra members also make sugges- difficult programs,’’ he says, ‘‘we manage to shots that were fired in the city of Sarajevo be performing in Sarajevo a program care- ‘‘Schicksalslied’’ (Song of Destiny) —set part of a long tradition of 19th-century mu- Of the most familiar Viennese waltz, he his birth, than in the company of his illustri- voice forms us.’’ It gives the players a unique enna Philharmonic. Each player has to over- democratic process.’’ The responsibility of tions and, true to the democratic spirit of the fill halls. We are very proud that in Carnegie on June 28, 1914. The assassination of fully devised to reflect the ways in which to a work by the German Romantic poet sic. ‘‘We should not forget that one of them,’’ says: ‘‘When you hear the ‘Blue Danube’ ous namesakes? n opportunity to phrase their playing in tandem come three hurdles: First, players must be in- making afull contribution to the orchestra’s orchestra, often those proposals come to Hall in 2010, for instance, we had three sold- Archduke Franz Ferdinand of , the the old world met anewer, harsher one. Friedrich Hölderlin in which the ancient with the human voice, almost breathing to- vited for an audition. Second, they need to be sound, listening to the other players and the fruition in concerts. It is perhaps inevitable out evenings with works by Schoenberg, presumptive heir to the Austro-Hungarian The concert will include Haydn’s ‘‘Kaiser’’ Greek concept of the tragic fall is evoked LINKE gether, he explains. After three years in the or- successful in the audition, which, in order to sense of privilege of belonging to such a cel- that concert promoters prefer the estab- Webern and Boulez, and only two symphonies Empire, and his wife Sophie led directly to quartet, reflecting the Danube monarchy, —will reflect the gravity of the occasion. SERIES chestra, each player becomes an active ensure absolute impartiality, takes place be- ebrated institution help the players to main- lished classics, and there is no shortage of by Beethoven.’’ Among future projects, the Vi- the declaration of war by Austria-Hungary and Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony, de- Finally, Ravel’s ‘‘La Valse’’ will recall the TERRY member of the association, with the right both hind a curtain. Third, after a probationary peri- tain the highest standards, he says. works from which to choose in the great 19th- enna Philharmonic will be performing the on Serbia, which in turn unleashed the hor- scribed by Dieter Flury, the orchestra’s Viennese tradition of the waltz, seen A TIME OF CULTURAL FLORESCENCE Dieter Flury, first flutist, is the general manager to elect members of the association and to od of up to two years, a jury made up of mem- One of Flury’s tasks as artistic director is century Viennese repertoire. The Vienna Phil- premiere of anew work by the Austrian com- rors of the First World War. Next June 28, artistic director, as ‘‘music to paint the through the lens of the 20th century. and artistic director of the Vienna Philharmonic. be elected as an officer. bers of the orchestra discusses whether it is to negotiate with conductors and concert harmonic, however, is eager to continue its poser Olga Neuwirth in May 2015. n The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra en- posia on an extraordinary time not only for Theodor Berger, not to forget the Johann joys taking up residency at New York’s music but also for other arts and sciences. Strauss family. As the Vienna Philharmonic’s Carnegie Hall each spring, usually perform- No fewer than four great conductors — principal flutist and artistic director, Dieter CONDUCTORS & ing three concerts on Friday and Saturday Franz Welser-Möst, , Andris Nel- Flury, puts it: ‘‘Without the base of a pyramid, evenings and Sunday afternoon. In 2014, sons and the veteran , who has there is no peak, so the base will also be LEGENDARY MUSICAL PARTNERS however, a whole series of events (from Feb. been associated with the Vienna Philhar- presented in this and other concerts.’’ 24 to March 16) will be devoted to Vienna, monic for over 50 years —will direct a Korngold —achild prodigy while growing For the first 100 years of its existence, the Swiss , the Canadian Yan- sometimes he watched his own hands commemorating 100 years since the begin- dazzling array of concerts of Viennese mu- up in Austria and composer of two extraordi- members of the Vienna Philharmonic Or- nick Nézet-Séguin and the Venezuelan Gust- while , and as a result the whole ning of and 200 years since the sic, ranging from concert performances of nary operas, ‘‘Die Tote Stadt’’ and ‘‘Das Wun- chestra elected a ‘‘subscription conductor’’ avo Dudamel, who are all under the age of orchestra would keep their eyes on his Vienna Congress, at which the European Richard Strauss’s opera ‘‘Salomé’’ and der der Heliane’’ — had an American career. to lead every concert in a single season. 40, will be conducting the Vienna Philhar- hands, too. When he closed his eyes, he continent’s map was redrawn in the after- ’s masterpiece ‘‘’’ to He moved to Hollywood in 1934 and became Such names as (who conduct- monic. As Flury puts it: ‘‘Hopefully our young was in an inner world, but the orchestra math of the French Revolutionary Wars, the concerts of works by some of the great acomposer for Hollywood movies, particu- ed the first performances of Richard Wag- conductors will have the chance to celebrate never felt lost; they shared his vision.’’ Napoleonic Wars and the dissolution of the 19th- and 20th-century composers, such as larly those in which Errol Flynn starred, such ner’s ‘‘Ring’’ cycle), Gustav their 50 years with the orchestra Throughout its history, the Vienna Phil- Holy Roman Empire. Ludwig von Beethoven, , Ant- as ‘‘The Adventures of Robin Hood’’ (1938) Mahler, Wilhelm Furtwängler in the future!’’ harmonic has premiered works by com- The principal aim of the week will be to on Bruckner, , Arnold Schoen- and ‘‘The Private Lives of Elizabeth and and (who was The world’s great conductors posers who have also conducted the or- commemorate the transition from the 19th berg and . Essex’’ (1939). His Concerto in , the librettist for Richard have worked with the Vienna Phil- chestra. The list is impressive, including Otto to 20th centuries in Vienna, with the Vienna On March 16, Mehta will conduct a final which will be performed by the soloist Gil Strauss’s final opera, ‘‘Capric- harmonic throughout its illustri- Nicolai (the founder of the Vienna Philhar- Philharmonic, the Vienna State Opera and gala concert with works by other so-called Shaham at the gala concert, was written cio’’) held this position. In 1933, ous history. One early guest con- monic), Johannes Brahms, Max Bruch, Ant- Carnegie Hall combining forces for a series ‘‘minor’’ composers from Vienna, like Hugo in 1945 while he was living in the United the system of inviting celebrat- ductor, , on Bruckner, Antonin Dvorak, Gustav of concerts, lectures, exhibitions and sym- Wolf, Erich Korngold, Franz Schmidt and States. n ed guest conductors was put in settled in Vienna in the 1930s Mahler, Richard Strauss and, in more recent place, apractice that persists after having been dismissed times, André Previn and . to this day. from his position as head of the It should come as no surprise that the FESTIVAL Although the Vienna Phil- on the or- author of the famous ‘‘Blue Danube’’ waltz, harmonic does not have a chief ders of Hitler. He made a number Johann Strauss II, also conducted the Vi- IN SUMMER, A HOME AWAY FROM HOME conductor, it maintains close of important recordings with the enna Philharmonic in his own work, including links with some 20 of these Vienna Philharmonic. his ‘‘’’ waltz. Since 1933, the Vienna Philharmonic has guest conductors, who return to Another great recording pion- Other composers who have not conduct- taken up residency at the perform with the orchestra at . eer with the orchestra was ed the orchestra but whose work has been in July and August. As Dieter Flury, the or- regular intervals. , who between 1958 premiered by it include Pyotr Tchaikovsky, chestra’s general manager, explains: ‘‘Most Dieter Flury, the orchestra’s general and 1964 made the first stereo recording Krzysztof Penderecki, , orchestra members take their families with manager and artistic director, likens the con- of Wagner’s ‘‘Ring’’ cycle, which continues and Olga Neuwirth. them, and it is a summer holiday for families ductors to members of a family spanning ARCHIV to be the most successful opera recording Richard Strauss, who was born in and something between holiday and work generations. of all time and features glorious singers 150 years ago, had an intensely creative re- for the members.’’ Some, like Zubin Mehta, Lorin Maazel like as Brünnhilde and Régine lationship with the Vienna Philharmonic and The 2014 festival program looks fascin- and Georges Prêtre, have been coming back Crespin as Sieglinde, led by the ferocious the State Opera. While he was director of atingly diverse. On the concert platform, the

for more than 50 years. Others, such as Ric- HISTORISCHES energy of Solti’s conducting. Never has the the State Opera between 1919 and 1924, symphonic output of the great Austrian com- cardo Muti, Daniel Barenboim, , opening music to ‘‘Die Walküre’’ sounded the opera premiered his masterpieces poser will be explored by the , Franz Welser-Möst and so visceral and driven. ‘‘’’ (1916) and ‘‘Die Frau conductors Daniel Barenboim, Riccardo Daniele Gatti, have well-established links Speaking of his early years with the or- ohne Schatten’’ (1919), and performed Chailly, Daniele Gatti, and Phil- with the orchestra. Among the long list of chestra, Flury remembers the guest con- many of his other operas while he was ippe Jordan. LINKE

renowned conductors working with the Vi- PHILHARMONIKER ductorships of Herbert von Karajan, Carlos there. The house that he built and lived in is One concert in particular, on Aug. 17, enna Philharmonic are Nikolaus Harnon- Kleiber and , who made a still in existence in Vienna’s third district. conducted by Muti, who has been associated TERRY

court, , , Esa- WIENER deep impression on him as he was starting Another of the famous directors of the with the Vienna Philharmonic for 40 years, Pekka Salonen, Valery Gergiev, Semyon his career. Vienna Court Opera, as it was called before commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Philippe Jordan will conduct the Vienna Philharmonic at the Salzburg Festival in August. Bychkov and . When asked about Karajan’s tendency the establishment of the First Austrian Re- death of another conductor closely associ- Young conductors are also essential to to close his eyes while conducting, Flury public, was Gustav Mahler, who between ated with the orchestra, Herbert von Karajan. Verdi’s ‘‘Il Trovatore,’’ with Daniele Gatti con- pleasure a production of the opera with the orchestra’s future. During the 2014 sea- offers an insight into the maestro’s craft: 1897 and 1907 presided over what has been The program will consist of Franz Schubert’s ducting. Plácido Domingo makes a welcome in 1988, but it has always son, for example, the Latvian , ‘‘He didn’t keep his eyes closed all the time; called the opera’s most glorious decade. n Symphony No. 4 (the ‘‘Tragic’’) and Bruckner’s return to the Verdi opera, not in his more ac- been a rarity, possibly because of the per- Symphony No. 6, both works that Karajan customed tenor role of Manrico but, in keep- ception that its libretto, by Joseph Kupel- performed frequently and recorded. ing with his performance of more baritone wieser, is weak. Nevertheless, Flury argues The operatic program will contain fans’ roles in the last few years, in the part of the that ‘‘Schubert shares the destiny of Joseph favorites, like Mozart’s ‘‘,’’ Count di Luna. Haydn. Both wrote wonderful operas, but A VETERAN MUSICIAN LOOKS BACK conducted by with There will also be some more unusual of- they are constantly forgotten as opera com- Ildebrando D’Arcangelo in the title role; ferings. Schubert’s less commonly per- posers. We are very happy to have the op- No living person encapsulates the great Year’s concert conductors. ‘‘I than it was 40 or 50 years ago. Richard Strauss’s ‘‘,’’ with formed opera ‘‘Fierrabras’’ comes under the portunity to perform this work by Schubert, history of the Vienna Philharmonic Orches- was a very young man,’’ he says, Barylli is also renowned for Franz Welser-Möst at the podium; and baton of Ingo Metzmacher. Flury recalls with which is not performed often enough.’’ n tra as completely as 92-year-old Walter ‘‘and I remember playing the the quartet that he founded and Barylli. Joining the orchestra in 1938 and be- Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto with that was based at the Vienna coming concertmaster in 1939 as ayoung him in Dresden. It was an unfor- Musikverein during the 1950s. man, Barylli’s first years in the orchestra gettable experience.’’ The made numer- ROLEX CULTURE PARTNERS: SPOTLIGHT were marked by the terrors of World War II. Another concert he recalls is ous recordings of the great Ger- ON THE VIENNA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Indeed, he was concertmaster at the very one of the first concerts played man and Austrian chamber mu- first New Year’s concert in 1939. abroad by the orchestra after sic repertoire. Barylli also taught As he continued his career as first violin- the war, with con- at the Vienna conservatory be- ist in the postwar years, he played under a ducting, in Edinburgh in Septem- tween 1969 and 1986. succession of the greatest conductors of the ber 1947. He continues very regularly to 20th century. Barylli has vivid memories of When asked if the sound of Walter Barylli, former attend concerts by the Vienna Wilhelm Furtwängler, Bruno Walter, Herbert the orchestra has changed over VPO concertmaster. Philharmonic. In early December, von Karajan and Leonard Bernstein (who, ac- the 75 years that he has been he heard the orchestra’s young The Euronews ‘‘Musica’’ series Medici.tv offers live Webcasts and a Opera Online covers works of opera, cording to Barylli, spoke excellent German associated with the Vienna Philharmonic, concertmaster, Volkhard Steude, play the regularly covers the Vienna large catalog of classical music opera houses, composers and Philharmonic Orchestra, with videos videos. The Web site’s section musicians, and productions. and was a great communicator). Barylli re- Barylli is adamant that the same distinctive LINKE Mendelssohn Violin Concerto under the bat- members with particular fondness Clemens sound has been maintained throughout the on of Andris Nelsons, and he relished being available on www.euronews.com/ dedicated to the Vienna For its overview about the Vienna

Krauss, whom he calls one of the best New years. ‘‘After all,’’ he says, ‘‘the instrumental- TERRY able to speak to the soloist and orchestra musica about the world-renowned Philharmonic has more than 20 Philharmonic, go to tinyurl.com/ ists have all been taught by Viennese teach- members. Asked whether the younger play- New Year’s concert and the balls videos, including documentaries and VPOhistory. For an in-depth ers, who pass on the Viennese sound to ers appreciated being able to speak to where young Viennese waltz the performances about the orchestra. interview with Clemens Hellsberg, Center stage: The Vienna Philharmonic their pupils.’’ someone with such long experience, Barylli night away as well as the magical To watch them, go to the orchestra’s president and Orchestra was produced by the Creative Summer Night concerts and the www.medici.tv/#/wiener- first violinist, go to tinyurl.com/ Solutions department and did not involve the Far from looking back through rose- is touchingly modest: ‘‘They have no need newspaper’s reporting or editorial tinted glasses, he stresses that the sound for me —they find inspiration and certainty orchestra’s international tours. philharmoniker-4. Hellsberg. departments. Text by NICK HAMMOND. of today’s orchestra is, if anything, better within the Viennese tradition.’’ n