This album primarily documents concerts from the 1980s, a period of intensive collaboration between Seiji Ozawa and the Berliner Philharmoniker.
Performer Biography
Seiji Ozawa was made an Honorary Member of the Berliner Philharmoniker in 2016, a rare distinction.
Performer Biography
Seiji Ozawa was an artistic protégé of Herbert von Karajan, the former chief conductor of the Berliner Philharmoniker, who saw him almost like a son.
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 believed in inviting musicians to make music with him rather than forcing his views, fostering freedom and spontaneity in performances.
Performer Biography
Seiji Ozawa initially wanted to be a pianist but broke two fingers in a rugby match at age 16, leading him to pursue conducting instead.
Interpretation
Seiji Ozawa's conducting style was described as having no heavy-handed emphases or ostentatious downward motions, but rather upward-striving and finely drawn, like Japanese calligraphy.
