Beethoven: "Leonore" Overture No. 2 in C Major, Op. 72

Featuring

Seiji Ozawa
Berliner Philharmoniker
Ludwig van Beethoven

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Interpretation

Seiji Ozawa, the conductor, was known for his humility and inquisitive nature, always remaining a learner in the Japanese tradition of a lifelong pupil of a master, or sensei.

Performer Biography

Seiji Ozawa was made an Honorary Member of the Berliner Philharmoniker in 2016, a rare distinction presented to him by the orchestra's board.

Performer Biography

Seiji Ozawa, the conductor on this album, was inspired to wear red by the Boston Red Sox baseball team, well before he became music director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Interpretation

Seiji Ozawa's conducting style was described as having no heavy-handed emphases or ostentatious downward motions; instead, everything was upward-striving and finely drawn, like Japanese calligraphy.

Performer Biography

Seiji Ozawa was an artistic protégé of Herbert von Karajan, the chief conductor of the Berliner Philharmoniker, who helped open doors for Ozawa in the classical music world.

Performer Biography

Seiji Ozawa initially wanted to be a pianist, but a rugby injury at age 16, which broke two of his fingers, led him to pursue conducting instead.

Recording & Production

This album primarily documents concerts from the 1980s, a period when Seiji Ozawa guest conducted the Berliner Philharmoniker several times each season.