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Born in Waziers, France, Georges Prêtre studied conducting at the Paris Conservatory. He served as music director of the Opéra Comique in Paris in the late 1950s and became a noted champion of eminent French composer Francis Poulenc. In 1986, Prêtre was named principal guest conductor of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra; he is now an honorary conductor for life. The 83-year-old conductor's work has long been prized by musicians around the world. That one of his biggest admirers was legendary soprano Maria Callas speaks volumes about Prêtre's own artistry. She often performed with him in concerts and made two studio recordings with him, Bizet's "Carmen" and Puccini's "Tosca."
One measure of Prêtre's stature may be the several clips of his music-making posted on YouTube, some of them viewed by thousands. A particularly popular one is a wonderfully animated rehearsal of Brahms' "Hungarian Dance" that he sings as much as conducts (Watch the clip at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i506LLQOcjk).
GREAT PERFORMANCES: When did you first conduct the Vienna Philharmonic?
PRÊTRE: The first time I directed the Vienna Philharmonic was at the Musikverein in 1962. I replaced Hans Knappertsbusch in a concert of [works by] Beethoven.
GP: Do you generally conduct French repertoire with this orchestra?
PRÊTRE: During my 45 years with this orchestra, I've directed all kinds of music -- a lot of Austrian and German music like Beethoven, Mahler, Bruckner, Mozart, Richard Strauss, and Brahms. I've also directed French music [with them] as well.
GP: Viennese music traditionally dominates the Philharmonic's New Year's Day Concert. Will you include non-Viennese selections also?
PRÊTRE: There aren't any pieces that are not Viennese [in the program].
GP: The Vienna Philharmonic plays music of the Strauss Family and other Viennese favorites with an unmistakable style, with special nuances of rhythm and phrasing. What is it like to conduct this repertoire with such an orchestra that has so much tradition behind it?
PRÊTRE: I have always compared the big orchestras with race horses, whose happy jockey I am. For me, the Vienna Philharmonic is the most beautiful
thoroughbred. Since my attachment to this orchestra and the city of Vienna has lasted over a long period of time and is very strong, I practically feel like I'm Viennese.
GP: Is there anything from French musical traditions that you might apply to this Viennese music, any qualities that make your approach to this repertoire different from, for example, [that of] an Austrian or German conductor?
PRÊTRE: No, all the conductors are very capable of interpreting the music. Music doesn't have a nationality.
GP: During your long, distinguished career you have worked with many remarkable artists. One of them, in particular, stands out: Maria Callas. On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of her death, her life and talent seem greater than ever. What do you think explains her power as an artist?
PRÊTRE: She was a great musical and stage interpreter.
GP: Your recording of "Carmen" with Callas is highly valued. Were there any aspects of her interpretation that you disagreed with?
PRÊTRE: No, there were no aspects of her interpretation with which I disagreed.
GP: Among other artists you worked with, artists no longer living, who did you most admire? Who do you miss the most?
PRÊTRE: Maria Callas was the greatest.
GP: I have read that you used a pseudonym during the early days of your career, calling yourself Georges Dherain. Why?
PRÊTRE: Because I wrote lighter music and I didn't want to be labeled.
GP: You seem to keep a very busy schedule. Do you ever plan to slow down?
PRÊTRE: I want to take advantage of my maturity by conducting less, but always better in the eyes of composers and the public. I plan to stay in my rhythm, so long as God lets me be.
Text of an e-mail interview for GREAT PERFORMANCES Online, translated from the original French and conducted in December 2007. The questions were compiled by contributor Tim Smith and translated by Brian Kerstetter. (Photo credit [top banner]: Stephan Trierenberg)
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