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Ive always been a big fan of Barenboim. Now I know he's controversial. But so was Leonard Bernstein and he remains easily the greatest American born conductor who did more for classical music in this country than anyother single person. As a great pianist (as was Bernstein) and conductor, Barenboim has done more for classical music than many others in his lifetime.
I can forgive alot of controversy from people who strive to advance the love of classical music.

Daniel was and is a superb human being. He is compassionate. We need more people of his caliber. I learned a lot from this interview. Thank you.

I wouldn't have felt the need to write except for the previous dissonant and (to me) agonized comments.

Thanks for one of the most wonderful interviews I've ever heard, especially the parts elucidating the orchestra members not forgetting their differences but articulating them, and living music incorporating subversive counterthemes, without being afraid of the controversy. I never thought of it in this way before. Just wonderful to hear and contemplate these interesting ideas. I'm getting and giving the book.

anna, when and im sure it wont be anytime soon, you can play a piano like this gentleman, will your critique will make any impact. You obviously need more than music to appreciate a musician.

BC#8
Sure, all views are of equal value (yes, sarcasm). Yes, life is simple - one doesn't have to know anything - just to function on the level of platitudes and slogans.
Personally, I don't hate him, just despise. A perfect bastard.
Dr anna

He is cool and a great conductor. Those who hate him are just mad that that he has his own views and speaks them. Bravo mr. Barenboim.

There is nothing controversial about this Barehbohm. A scoundrel is a scoundrel is a scoundrel. I haven't been so irritated in a long time. Sacrificing everyone, or particularly the utter victims for self promotion, more and more fame and more and more money while covering utter immorality with platitudes, slogans or sheer nonsense is more than I can tolerate.
Yes, Daniel, why play for those who have been suffering (so few of them) when one can play for millions, including the monsters, who haven't suffered.
I've been vomiting non stop since yesterday.
Dr Anna

hah! ash--i was going to say that the minelli interview was a cake walk compared to barenboim's. while i enjoyed him as a conductor in many instances, his personal eccentricities make him a difficult subject--even for you, lenny!

I have never heard of this man and know nothing about his life or his music. But your interview with him reminded me of your recent interview with Liza Minella: A tough one, indeed. His arrogant air and contrarian style gave me no reason to admire him or his works.

Can you send me the name of the tiny piano segment that was played during the show break between Lopote and BarenBoin? I presume that Barenboin was the pianist.

I would like to purchase the CD if that's possible. Please send me complete CD information.

Thank you.
Gloria Kelso

You played a snippet of a piano piece right before a program break -- can someone tell me the name of the piece? It may have been mentioned but I missed it.

Thanks much,
A

The Lopate Show responds:

The music played before the break was "Venetian Gondola Song" by Felix Mendelssohn.

Mr. Barenboim is annoying! His ideas about music are not interesting at all.... so silly...

Mr. Barenboim did not perform in Egypt as a conductor, he performed as a conductor who is a vocal opponent of the Israeli government. Mr. Barenboim entered Egypt by announcing, "I am here as an individual who has been very critical of the Israeli government." Even so, Egypt state media reported that most Egyptian intellectuals were opposed to the visit.

I am looking forward to visits to Israel by Palestinian musicians who oppose suicide killings and oppose the use of Palestinian children as human shields. Oh wait, the democratically elected Palestinian government kills, intimidates and silences those Palestinians.

Will the WNYC ministers of information delete this post for not being sufficiently liberal? We shall see.