David Robertson on Conducting, Pierre Boulez, and Musical Interpretation

What It Covers

Conductor David Robertson discusses his work with composer Pierre Boulez, techniques for achieving orchestral clarity, methods for communicating with musicians, and approaches to programming contemporary classical music for skeptical audiences.

Key Questions Answered

• •Orchestral clarity technique: Hold a precise mental image of the desired sound before conducting. The brain instinctively adjusts gestures, balance, and positioning to achieve that clarity without conscious effort, ensuring every instrumental voice emerges distinctly.
• •Player communication timing: Each orchestra member looks up at different moments—some a full bar early, others right before playing. Conductors must memorize individual patterns quickly to deliver information exactly when each musician's window opens for receiving cues.
• •Contemporary music programming: Start skeptical audiences with accessible works like Boulez's Memorial (five minutes, flute with strings) rather than complex pieces. Brief pre-concert explanations providing musical context dramatically increase audience receptivity to challenging contemporary compositions.
• •Emotional interpretation flexibility: Boulez approved Robertson conducting Notation Seven at nearly half the marked tempo (eighth note equals 40 versus quarter note equals 40), revealing composers often welcome interpretations more emotionally expressive than their own performances.